Kentucky Horticulture Council

FSMA - PSA Grower Food Safety Training - Registration Deadline
2022-05-24
PSA – FSMA Grower Training Course – Remote
Deadline to apply May 24, 2022
Training May 31, 2022 8 am until 5 pm
As a reminder this course is required for all KY farms who has produce sales with an average annual of $25,000.
If there are any questions please direct them to Casey Newcomb (casey.newcomb@uky.edu).

MarketReady Advanced: Packaging & Labeling
2022-05-26 11:30 - 13:00 UTC
The MarketReady Producer Training Program and it’s Advanced Topics are free (when lead virtually) for farmers and producers, processors, county extension agents, etc. interested in selling their products (fresh produce, value-added items, etc.) to restaurants, grocers/wholesalers/retailers, and schools. Producers and farmers should feel confident about what is being asked of them from potential buyers (restaurants, grocers, schools, etc.) after this training. This program provides extension agents with the knowledge and tools to assist farmers and producers in their county who are interested in selling to restaurants, grocers, schools, etc.
This Advanced Topic webinar is an in-depth conversation about packaging and labeling. Here, we will focus on frequently asked questions about packaging and labeling, hear from a special guest speaker from the industry, and have time for discussion or open conversation at the end. This webinar is for people who have attended a MarketReady Core Producer Training. Each training will be limited to 30 participants — so be sure to register soon! You may register up to 24 hours prior to the training date.

FSMA PSA Grower Food Safety Training
2022-05-31 08:00 - 17:00
Fruit and vegetables growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), co-management, and the proposed FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule would benefit greatly from this training. Additionally, any growers who would like to meet the proposed Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in §112.22 (c): “At least one supervisor from the farm must complete food safety training at least equivalent to the standardized curriculum recognized by the FDA.” Note: Completion of this course is a regulatory requirement for all Kentucky fruit and vegetable growers with over $25,000 in yearly sales and those growers seeking a Qualified Exemption.

Topics to be covered:

Introduction to Produce Safety
Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
Soil Amendments
Wildlife, Domestic Animals, and Land Use
Agricultural Water
Postharvest Handling and Sanitation
How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

In addition to learning about produce safety best practices, key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements are outlined within each module. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions.

MarketReady Advanced: Insurance & Communication
2022-06-02 11:30 - 13:00
The MarketReady Producer Training Program and it’s Advanced Topics are free (when lead virtually) for farmers and producers, processors, county extension agents, etc. interested in selling their products (fresh produce, value-added items, etc.) to restaurants, grocers/wholesalers/retailers, and schools. Producers and farmers should feel confident about what is being asked of them from potential buyers (restaurants, grocers, schools, etc.) after this training. This program provides extension agents with the knowledge and tools to assist farmers and producers in their county who are interested in selling to restaurants, grocers, schools, etc.
This Advanced Topic webinar is an in-depth conversation about insurance and communication. Here, we will focus on frequently asked questions about insurance and communication, hear from a special guest speaker from the industry, and have time for discussion or open conversation at the end. This webinar is for people who have attended a MarketReady Core Producer Training. Each training will be limited to 30 participants — so be sure to register soon! You may register up to 24 hours prior to the training date.

MarketReady Advanced: Quality Assurance
2022-06-09 12:00 - 13:30
The MarketReady Producer Training Program and it’s Advanced Topics are free (when lead virtually) for farmers and producers, processors, county extension agents, etc. interested in selling their products (fresh produce, value-added items, etc.) to restaurants, grocers/wholesalers/retailers, and schools. Producers and farmers should feel confident about what is being asked of them from potential buyers (restaurants, grocers, schools, etc.) after this training. This program provides extension agents with the knowledge and tools to assist farmers and producers in their county who are interested in selling to restaurants, grocers, schools, etc.
This Advanced Topic webinar is an in-depth conversation about quality assurance. Here, we will focus on frequently asked questions about quality assurance, hear from a special guest speaker from the industry, and have time for discussion or open conversation at the end. This webinar is for people who have attended a MarketReady Core Producer Training. Each training will be limited to 30 participants — so be sure to register soon! You may register up to 24 hours prior to the training date.

Crop Insurance Webinar: Refresher and Webinar Recap
2022-06-14 12:30 - 13:00
In our next webinar in our Crop Insurance series, we will be doing a refresher of some of the policies and programs we’ve learned about, and we will review some of the great webinars we’ve had over the last year. Join us on June 14th at 12:30 pm ET|11:30 am CT. To register for the live webinars, use the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvf-iuqDgtG9PpErwxskqi8kZ3fVIRaULI

MarketReady Advanced: Logistics & Distribution
2022-06-16 11:30 - 13:00
The MarketReady Producer Training Program and it’s Advanced Topics are free (when lead virtually) for farmers and producers, processors, county extension agents, etc. interested in selling their products (fresh produce, value-added items, etc.) to restaurants, grocers/wholesalers/retailers, and schools. Producers and farmers should feel confident about what is being asked of them from potential buyers (restaurants, grocers, schools, etc.) after this training. This program provides extension agents with the knowledge and tools to assist farmers and producers in their county who are interested in selling to restaurants, grocers, schools, etc.
This Advanced Topic webinar is an in-depth conversation about logistics and distribution. Here, we will focus on frequently asked questions about logistics and distribution, hear from a special guest speaker from the industry, and have time for discussion or open conversation at the end. This webinar is for people who have attended a MarketReady Core Producer Training. Each training will be limited to 30 participants — so be sure to register soon! You may register up to 24 hours prior to the training date.

KY Green Industry Summer Summit
2022-06-22 08:00 - 2022-06-23 17:00
Registration Opens April 1
June 22 – Bus tour, evening reception at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, and networking
June 23 – Educational sessions

MarketReady Advanced: Marketing
2022-06-23 11:30 - 13:00
The MarketReady Producer Training Program and it’s Advanced Topics are free (when lead virtually) for farmers and producers, processors, county extension agents, etc. interested in selling their products (fresh produce, value-added items, etc.) to restaurants, grocers/wholesalers/retailers, and schools. Producers and farmers should feel confident about what is being asked of them from potential buyers (restaurants, grocers, schools, etc.) after this training. This program provides extension agents with the knowledge and tools to assist farmers and producers in their county who are interested in selling to restaurants, grocers, schools, etc.
This Advanced Topic webinar is an in-depth conversation about marketing. Here, we will focus on frequently asked questions about marketing, hear from a special guest speaker from the industry, and have time for discussion or open conversation at the end. This webinar is for people who have attended a MarketReady Core Producer Training. Each training will be limited to 30 participants — so be sure to register soon! You may register up to 24 hours prior to the training date.

Kentucky Grown Cut Flower Month
2022-07-01 - 2022-07-31
July is American-Grown Flower Month, and locally we celebrate Kentucky Grown Cut Flower Month to highlight the abundance of locally-grown cut flowers and farmers who grow them on on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
This year, promotion on Facebook with be done on a new, consolidated Facebook Group for all things KY Cut Flower!

Miller's Farm Tour & Farm-to-Table Dinner
2022-07-15 13:00 - 22:00
Join Black Soil KY and Miller’s Farm on Friday, July 15 in Lincoln County for an unforgettable Farm Tour & Farm-to-Table Dinner experience with Miller’s Farm presented by Central Kentucky Ag Credit!
Time: 3:00pm-10:00pm
Depart from Lexington at 1:00pm EST
Cost: $40 per person plus taxes and fees; $20 per youth under 12
Transportation: Group Transportation from Lexington is included
Activities Include:
Farmer-Led Tour
3-Course Farm to Table Dinner
Networking
Roadside Stand
This event is presented by Miller’s Farm and hosted by Black Soil KY.
Questions? Please contact events@blacksoilky.com

Nature’s Best Hope with Doug Tallamy
2022-07-20 08:00 - 17:00
Prof. Doug Tallamy ”Nature’s Best Hope” talk at the University of Louisville and for Saturday’s climate-resilient gardening tour at Bernheim!
Prof. Tallamy’s talk is at 6 p.m. Friday July 22 at the University of Louisvile’s Bingham Humanities Building, Room 100. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a spread of healthy, sustainable appetizers courtesy of Amazing Graze catering. Prof. Tallamy will present via Zoom to this in-person gathering, but a zoom option for participants is also available for those unable to attend in person.
Event requires advance online registration!
Tickets at bernheim.org/events

Climate-resilient Gardening at Bernheim
2022-07-23 10:00 - 11:30
Don’t miss this great educational opportunity!
Saturday, July 23, 10-11:30 a.m.
Climate-resilient Gardening Takeaways
Walking tour by Bernheim Director of Horticulture and Sustainable Landscapes Renee Frith
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED at bernheim.org/events
This on-site tour highlights some of our climate-resilient gardening practices at Bernheim, all meant to be replicable in your own back yard. Renee will show you how you can make your yard a more natural and healthy place! Limit: 20 people. Meet in front of the Visitor Center.

Black Soil Food Chain SmokeHouse Dinner
2022-07-23 17:00 - 20:00
Join Black Soil KY, Daughters’ Southern and Rock House Brewing for a fundraiser benefitting FoodChain. Over the past 3 years, FoodChain has led in food relief efforts and we’re excited to support their ongoing work with a portion of the ticket proceeds. Learn more about FoodChain at https://foodchainlex.org/
Guests will enjoy
-coursed Farm to Table dinner expertly prepared by Chef Chris Cain, Daughters’ Southern
-4 beer pairings expertly curated by Rock House Brewing

UK IPM Virtual Vegetable Field Day
2022-07-26 12:00 - 14:00
Mark your Calendars
For the UK IPM Virtual Vegetable Field Day. This event is structured for commercial vegetable producers, but it is open to the public.
See our latest research projects, as well as up-to-date recommendations in horticulture, entomology, and pathology. Speakers include Dr. Rachel Rudolph, horticulture; Drs. Jonathan Larson and Ric Bessin, entomology; and Dr. Nicole Gauthier, pathology.
Growers can register here; Zoom link will be emailed once registration is complete.

Flowers, Herbs, and Vegetables: Growing a Backyard Garden into a Small-Scale Farm Business
2022-08-04 09:00 - 12:00
Join OAK for a field day on Aug. 4 in Greenup!
For nearly 25 years, Kristi Ruggles has grown herbs, flowers and vegetables for her family in Greenup County. As her garden grew, her interest in growing as naturally as possible also grew, leading Kristi to dig deeper into sustainable agriculture and organic practices. As her family demands lessen, Kristi is shifting her backyard gardening towards small-scale, local production for profit. Join us to hear Kristi’s path exploring markets and sourcing materials in a rural area, broadening her crops and products and expanding her infrastructure. We’ll tour her high tunnel, raised beds and gardens; learn her tips and tricks of cut flower and herb production; discuss the merits and drawbacks of organic certification for small-scale growers and explore the benefits of pollinator plantings.
Funding for this Field Day was made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture in partnership with Grow Appalachia.

Farmers Market Week
2022-08-08 - 2022-08-11
Aug 8-11 is National Farmers Market Week. Join the celebration in Kentucky by visiting your local farmers markets.

Kentucky First Farm Workshop @ RCARS
2022-08-09 09:00 - 16:00 | RCARS, 130 Robinson Rd., Jackson, KY, 41339
Giving military veteran, minorities, small farm, and limited resource farmers the information and training needed to create a sustainable agricultural operation!
This program is free and open to all military veterans, active, retired or transitioning, minority, and underserved populations and those with small farms that have been in operation under 10 years.
Event will be held at RCARS in Jackson (Breathitt Co).
Contact: Linda Bokros (859-257-1126 or linda.bokros@uky.edu)

RCARS Twilight Tour
2022-08-11 18:00 - 21:00
Visit Robinson Center in Jackson (Breathitt Co) for a farm twilight tour! Options include: Forage Cutting, Weed Control, Frost Seeding, Novell Tall Fescue, Crabgrass Control, Fall Cabbage, Tomato/Cut Flower Rotation, Finishing Beef Cattle, Hemp Trials, Sweet Potato Slip Production, and Other Seasonal Options. CAIP Educational Hours Available!
Save the Date!

Nurtured by Nature Flower Show
2022-08-12 - 2022-08-13
Join the Garden Club of Kentucky for a flower show at The Old Favorite in Franklin, KY. Registration will be on Friday morning, and judging will be on Friday afternoon. The Flower Show will be open for public viewing on Friday night and Saturday morning.

MarketReady Buyer Tour: Louisville
2022-08-12 10:00 - 15:00
Market Ready Buyer Tour
Each tour offers the opportunity to visit 3 or 4 buyers and see what happens behind the back doors at various marketplaces. Participants will be able to ask questions, talk with buyers, and get first-hand experience with what it is like to bring product to a restaurant, grocery/retail store, or institutional buyer.
Aug 12, 2022, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Potential Stops for Louisville: Creation Gardens/What Chefs Want, Jefferson County Public Schools Nutrition Service Center, Rainbow Blossom grocery, ValuMarket grocery, and a TBD locally-sourced restaurant.

MarketReady Buyer Tour: Louisville
2022-08-19 10:00 - 15:00
Market Ready Buyer Tour
Each tour offers the opportunity to visit 3 or 4 buyers and see what happens behind the back doors at various marketplaces. Participants will be able to ask questions, talk with buyers, and get first-hand experience with what it is like to bring product to a restaurant, grocery/retail store, or institutional buyer.
Aug 19, 2022, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Potential Stops for Lexington: Good Foods Co-op, Critchfield Meats & Market, FoodChain, Whole Foods Market, UK Dining/Aramark, and a TBD Ouita Michel’s restaurant.

Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK) Member Gathering
2022-08-21 16:00 - 19:00
Do you want an evening to connect with other OAK Members in a casual environment? Are you looking for some new farming friends? Would you like to chat about local supply chains or new market opportunities for local produce or thriving local businesses or all of the above? Do you love pizza?
In response to all of these and more, Team OAK is partnering with our buddies at Locals Food Hub and Pizza Pub for an evening of good food, live music, OAK community networking, and a whole slew of fun surprises on Sunday August 21 from 4 PM -7 PM ET. This is the opportunity to meet your neighbors, connect with fellow OAK Members and eat pizza with ingredients sourced from Kentucky farmers. Like and follow along the Facebook event here.

KY Proud Virtual CSA Fair
2022-09-07 - 2022-09-14
CSA Farmers, take advantage of FREE promotion during the virtual KY Proud Fall CSA Fair this September 7th-14th! Sign up to be a partner farm and event partners will spread the word about opportunities you have for consumers to sign up for a CSA share this September, October, and November. Each participating farm does not need to be available during these event dates. We will simply promote your CSA by driving traffic to the URL you share with us in a social media post on the CSA in KY Facebook Group, update your listing in the KY Proud directory (if applicable), and re-share your social post on event partner’s Facebook pages.
The Fall CSA Fair is hosted by Kentucky Proud, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Edible Kentucky Magazine, Kentucky Horticulture Council, Organic Association of Kentucky, and The Food Connection. Contact Katie Harvey OAK’s CSA program coordinator at katie@oak-ky.org if you have any questions.

No-Till Organic Market Gardening
2022-09-13 13:00 - 16:00
Join OAK for a field day on September 13 in Lawrenceburg!
Join OAK for a discussion of no-till market gardening at Rough Draft Farmstead where we can see the many different techniques and styles of no and low tillage production that can be implemented in our region. From cover cropping to mulching, living pathways and small-scale composting, Rough Draft Farmstead is an excellent place to get an in-depth look at all the options available to improve soil health on a production scale.
Funding for this Field Day was made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s (KDA) Office of Agricultural Marketing and Product Promotion through a Specialty Crop Block Grant.

Black Soil FoodChain SmokeHouse Dinner
2022-09-24 17:00 - 20:00

Christmas Trees 101
2022-10-27 09:00 - 13:00
Join us for a webinar with experts who will discuss production for pre-commercial and new growers in Kentucky interested in growing Christmas trees. Topics include site selection, planting, fertility, pruning, and marketing your crop. Experienced growers will share their advice for success.

Digging In To CSA Planning, Recordkeeping, and Marketing
2022-11-01
Join OAK for a virtual field day on CSAs in KY on November 1! Digging In To CSA Planning, Recordkeeping, and Marketing
Virtual – via Zoom November 1, 2022, 10-11:30am ET
Join OAK for this CSA-focused walk through the planning, recordkeeping, and marketing systems and strategies of multiple Kentucky and Ohio farms and their Community-Supported Agriculture operations, including:
* Kristi Durbin, University of Kentucky CSA;
* Ben Abell, Rootbound Farm;
* Lyric Morris-Latchaw, Mount Marigold Farm / Mustard Seed CSA;
* Marykate Glenn, Mustard Seed Farm CSA,
* and SPECIAL GUEST: Corinna Bench, Shared Legacy Farms and My Digital Farmer!
Open to all, this OAK virtual event requires pre-registration and is geared toward current or aspiring farmers interested in Community-Supported Agriculture programs, and allied professionals. Registered participants will receive an event recording. $5 OAK Members; $10 Non-Members
Funding for this event was made possible by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. Register today at oak-ky.org/field-days.

Grower-Buyer MeetUp - West Kentucky (Daviess Co)
2022-11-10 09:30 - 12:00
Grower-Buyer MeetUps bring together buyers and growers and is co-hosted by the Kentucky Vegetable Growers Association, the Kentucky Society for Horticulture Science, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Center for Ag and Rural Development, the University of Kentucky MarketReady Program and the Kentucky Horticulture Council. Produce buyers include chefs, retail, and distribution representatives together in one location to make it easier for growers to make many contacts at once.
During these events, growers have a chance to meet one-on-one in a “speed date” format to exchange contact information and match up products and needs with key buyers. Face-to-face meetings with experts in food safety, organic production, and marketing are also available.
The 2022 fall event will be co-hosted by and held at the Daviess Co Extension Office in Owensboro. The event starts at 9:30 am (central).

KNLA Kentucky Green Industry Winter Conference
2023-01-25 08:00 - 2023-01-26 17:00
Kentucky Green Industry Winter Conference, presented by KNLA
January 25-26, 2023
Holiday Inn Louisville East
1325 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy
Louisville, KY 40222
For more information contact us at info@knla.org or www.knla.org
