Each month, KHC features one of the Council’s member organizations to highlight how these groups support horticulture in Kentucky. This month is the Kentucky State Horticultural Society, also known as KSHS. This non-profit professional member group for Kentucky fruit growers was organized in 1856 and later incorporated in 1920 to bring together individuals across Kentucky interested in fruit production. You can connect with KSHS online.
You did not misread that date of 1856. KSHS has been an active organization supporting research, outreach, and education for the fruit industry in Kentucky for 165 years! KSHS provides many member benefits, including summer orchard tours, an online business listing, educational programs, and access to the KY Ag Health Care Trust.
One of the organization’s most important activities is to co-sponsor the annual Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Conference each January. The statewide conference provides the opportunity for KSHS members to learn the latest production techniques from university specialists and produce growers and network with others interested in vegetable production and marketing. The trade show features equipment and supply dealers as well as technical service providers. Educational sessions focus on such topics as commercial produce production, organic production, protected agriculture systems, and product market channels including farmers’ markets, direct and wholesale marketing, and agritourism. The 2022 Conference is scheduled for Jan 3-4, with pre-conference sessions on Sunday, January 2. The event will be held in Bowling Green at the Sloan Convention Center.
Each year KSHS recruits board members and officers from within the industry to represent the different sizes, geographies, and marketing channels of Kentucky fruit growers. The current KSHS officers include: Jonathan Price, President (Bowling Green); Kevan Evans, President-Elect (Georgetown); Joanna Hinton, Secretary (Hodgenville); Amanda Gajdzik, Treasurer (Shelbyville); and Directors Dwight Greenwell (Taylorsville), Stuart Brenneman (Tipton, IN), Barb Hettmansperger (Science Hill), Billy Reid (Owensboro), Lyle Allen (Versailles), Megan Fields (Versailles), and David Haney (Prospect).
Although most KSHS members join as part of their annual Kentucky Fruit & Vegetable Conference registration, you can join any time. Dues can be paid online or by completing a membership application with your contact information and sending a $40 check or money order to KSHS, PO Box 469, Princeton, KY 42445-0469.
If you have questions about KSHS, you can contact any officer or director for information or send an email to KHC at info@kyhortcouncil.org.
