Consumer Covid Crisis Edges Back – A Little

By Azita Varziri | Postdoctoral Scholar and Tim Woods | Extension Professor
Published on Jul. 29, 2022

Covid represented a significant shock in 2020 to the U.S.

A Quick Look at Kentucky’s Favorite Summertime Small Fruit: Strawberries

By Savannah Columbia | Extension Associate
Published on May. 31, 2022

Summertime is upon us, and strawberries are filling the refrigerators of many homes in Kentucky. Strawberries, along with blueberries and blackberries, are staple crops in the small fruits business. While small fruits can be labor intensive, they can also be very rewarding.

Food Price Inflation – Trends and Implications for U.S. and Global Consumers

By Will Snell | Extension Professor
Published on Apr. 28, 2022

Inflation dominates today’s conversation among the media, politicians, and everyone impacted–i.e., all of us as consumers.

Pre and Post-COVID Analysis of Select Spring Crops at the Auction

By Savannah Columbia | Extension Associate
Published on Mar. 31, 2022

Spring is on the horizon in Kentucky. Many specialty crop growers have already begun thinking about which fruits and vegetables to cultivate and the ideal market channels in which to sell. There are many market channels available to producers – an important market channel for both Kentucky and many of our growers is the produce auction.

Small Fruit, Big Local Demand

By Brett Wolff | Extension Specialist
Published on Aug. 31, 2021

In discussions with Direct Marketers (including farmers markets, on-farm and roadside markets, as well as Community Supported Agriculture operations) across the state an informal theme that continually arises is the popularity and demand for fresh local fruit, and particularly small fruit like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries

National Farm Market Impacts from Covid

By Tim Woods | Extension Professor
Published on Apr. 29, 2021

A Fall 2020 national survey conducted by the Farmers Market Coalition of farmers market managers starts to provide a glimpse into some of the winners and losers in farmers markets across the country.  Farmers markets have been important venues for small vendors and localized food systems, often providing a diversity of kinds of vendors participa

Hemp Contract Considerations

By Jonathan Shepherd | Extension Specialist and Tyler Mark | Professor
Published on Mar. 30, 2021

Engaging in production agriculture is a risky profession, even for mature markets, such as corn and poultry, much less one that lacks the market transparency of hemp.

Continued Declines in Hemp Profitability Mixed with Marginal Profit Potential for 2021

By Jonathan Shepherd | Extension Specialist and Tyler Mark | Professor
Published on Jan. 28, 2021

According to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky started 2020 with 32,000 approved acres of hemp.

Cantaloupe, Watermelon, and Pumpkin Market Trends for Kentucky

By Savannah Columbia | Extension Associate and Tim Woods | Extension Professor
Published on Jan. 6, 2021

Cantaloupe, watermelons and pumpkins have been important crops for Kentucky, especially moving through the auctions.  These commodities clicked on all cylinders during 2020 in the context of the pandemic.  Some of the opportunities related to strong short-term prices associated with the strong demand for local products.  Good growing conditions

Estimates of What it is Going to Cost Me to Destroy my "HOT" Hemp Crop

By Jonathan Shepherd | Extension Specialist and Tyler Mark | Professor
Published on Nov. 25, 2020

We recognize that no one plants a crop with expectations of having to destroy the crop. However, the risk of producing a hemp crop that is non-compliant is a real risk and has a genuine cost associated. As hemp genetics evolve, the risk of destruction will dissipate.