Kentucky Women in Agriculture
Update
Volume 5, Number 1 Summer 2004
The University of Kentucky Cooperative
Extension Service is excited to continue to work to 2002 Census of Agriculture
provide and support programs targeted to Women
in Agriculture. As a past Kentucky Women in The National Agricultural Statistics Service
Agriculture Conference participant or an interested (NASS) recently released reports from the 2002
individual who requested to be on our mailing list, Census of Agriculture. For the first time, data
we hope you are excited about the opportunities for was collected for up to three operators on each
women in agriculture in Kentucky. farm. This allowed NASS to better document
statistics about farm operators where are there
are multiple operators.
This newsletter is a periodic mailing compiled
through the Family & Consumer Sciences program
The data regarding women in agriculture is
at UK. In this issue, you’ll find a brief report from quite interesting. In total, the census identified
the 2002 Census of Agriculture, detailed information 29,423 female farm operators in Kentucky in
about the 5th Kentucky Women in Agriculture 2002. Of this total, 8,274 were principal
Conference, and an extensive “Calendar of Events.” operators of their farming enterprise. The
number of principal operators actually shows a
Many of you receiving this newsletter are also decline of 4% since 1997, but this data should
involved with a new membership organization that be considered in context. During the same five-
will soon celebrate its first birthday. Kentucky year period, the number of farms in Kentucky
Women in Agriculture, Inc., was formed to serve as declined from 91,198 to 86,541. This represents
a unifying voice for women in agriculture across the a 5.5% decline in farm numbers in the same
state. The organization has been well-received five-year period. Nationally, the 2002 Census
statewide and has more than 150 dues paying documented a 12% increase in the number of
members. For the first time, the organization is female principal operators of farms (from
providing the leadership for planning the state 209,784 in 1997 to 237,819 in 2002.)
conference. Details about conference plans are
included on the next two pages of this newsletter, To view the 2002 Census of Agriculture,
and we hope you have the dates marked on your visit the NASS Web site at www.nass.usda.gov.
calendars!
I invite you to join us as we continue to work
together to provide opportunities for women in
agriculture to network, expand their knowledge, and
hone their leadership skills. The UK College of
Bonnie O. Tanner
____________________________________
Agriculture and Cooperative Extension are pleased Bonnie O. Tanner, Ph.D.
to continue to play a major role in this effort. Assistant Director for Family & Consumer Sciences
Celebrating Success ~ Producing a Future
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5 Kentucky Women in Agriculture Conference
Planning for the 5th Kentucky Women in Tentative Schedule:
Agriculture Conference is moving ahead quickly,
and the November event will be here before we Nov. 3, 2004 (pre-conference)
realize it! This year’s conference is being planned • Home-based Microprocessor Workshop
through Kentucky Women in Agriculture, Inc., and • “Women Taking the Lead for Kentucky
a number of committees are working hard to plan Agriculture” - Public Policy Institute
an engaging educational conference. For your
information, a tentative schedule is included in this Nov. 4, 2004
newsletter. Conference registration information 9 a.m. Opening Session
Keynote Speaker:
will be mailed in early August. Please check the
Cindi Sullivan, 84WHAS Radio
Kentucky Women in Agriculture Web site & WAVE 3 Garden Expert
(www.kywomeninag.com) for regular conference 10:15 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
updates. (4 tracks as follows)
• Marketing
Keynote Speakers • Business Practices
Lexington native Cindi Sullivan is a well- • Government Programs
recognized radio and television personality in the • Beyond the Farm Gate
Louisville area, with programs on both 84WHAS 11:45 a.m. Luncheon Session
Radio and WAVE 3 TV. Sullivan, a graduate of the Keynote Speaker:
UK College of Agriculture, will join us for our LaJuana Wilcher, Secretary
opening session as we kick off our conference Kentucky Environmental and
focused on “Celebrating Success ~ Producing a Public Protection Cabinet
Future.” 1:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions (same tracks as 10:15)
3:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions (same tracks as 10:15)
LaJuana Wilcher was sworn in as Kentucky’s 6:30 p.m. “Taste of Kentucky”
secretary of the Environmental and Public This gala reception will feature a sampling of
Kentucky products and recipes with special guest
Protection Cabinet on Dec. 22, 2003. Wilcher
entertainer LaDonna Gatlin. Come prepared to do
came to this position with almost three decades of a little holiday shopping as you browse, eat, and
experience working on environmental and natural enjoy!
resource issues. Prior to her appointment, she was
a practicing attorney with English, Lucas, Priest & Nov. 5, 2004
Owsley law firm in Bowling Green. Ms. Wilcher 7 a.m. Kentucky Women in Agriculture
will be the luncheon speaker on Thursday, Nov. 4. Breakfast and Business Meeting
8:30 a.m. Roundtable Discussions
As chef/owner of Lilly’s, a four-star restaurant 10:30 a.m. Selected Roundtable Discussions
and Concurrent Sessions (3 tracks)
in Louisville, and La Peche, gourmet-to-go shops,
• Marketing
Kathy Cary is a true believer in local food systems.
Cary, who is known and admired both regionally • Business Practices
and nationally, will join Kentucky Women in • Beyond the Farm Gate
12 p.m. Closing Luncheon
Agriculture for the closing luncheon on Nov. 5 to
Keynote Speaker:
share her story and talk about her commitment to Kathy Cary, Owner/Chef, Lilly’s and La Peche
buying local products.
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Celebrating Success ~ Producing a Future
th
5 Kentucky Women in Agriculture Conference
Prepare for a “Taste of Kentucky” Pre-Conference Workshops
The “Taste of Kentucky” reception returns to the While the 2004 conference will be the fifth held in
women in agriculture conference, and plans are under way Kentucky for women in agriculture, the pre-conference
to make this the biggest and best yet! First Lady Glenna workshops scheduled for Nov. 3 are a new addition to the
Fletcher has been invited to serve as Honorary Chair program. Two separate events are planned for Wednesday
Prepare to sample Kentucky and shop, then sit back and and both will be held at the Clarion Hotel and Conference
relax. Center.
Sample Kentucky Public Policy Institute
Enjoy a taste of a wide variety of Kentucky Kentucky Women in Agriculture, Inc. will hold its first
commodities and value-added products. Producers from Public Policy Institute on Nov. 3, with participants
across the state will be on hand to share their products, expected to stay for the entire conference. A grant
and will be joined by local chefs sharing ideas and samples received from the Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture
of their Kentucky recipes. Items available for your tasting Research and Education Program and the Southern Rural
pleasure will include shrimp, beef, ham, cheese, salsa, Development Center, through the Sustainable Community
pickles, produce, spirits, and more. From actual food Innovation Grants Program, will provide funding for the
products to the tasty dressings, marinades, sauces, and institute. The 25 participants selected from across the
seasonings that make Kentucky cuisine unique, you’ll have state will also receive lodging for the duration of the
the chance to experience it all! conference, along with complimentary registration and
most meals. Additional information and an application
Shop form are available online at www.kywomeninag.com.
The November conference date is just before the busy
holiday season. Bring your shopping list along and fill Home-Based Microprocessor Workshop
your gift baskets with items from the “Taste of Kentucky.” For many farmers in Kentucky, value-added
Vendors will not only provide samples of their products processing offers an opportunity to increase income and
but also have them available for purchase. Use this diversify their farming operations. House Bill 391, which
reception as your opportunity to give those on your was enacted in 2003, sets criteria to allow farmers who
holiday list a gift they won’t soon forget. grow and harvest produce to process value-added products
and sell them from designated farmers’ markets, certified
Sit Back and Relax roadside stands, and the processor’s farm.
Entertainment for the evening will be provided by Under the legislation, home-based processors may sell
LaDonna Gatlin. Baby sister of the famed Gatlin jams, jellies, breads, fruit pies, cakes, and cookies after
Brothers, LaDonna literally grew up singing on stage. In registering with the Cabinet for Health Services. Home-
the early 1970s, the Gatlins took their family harmony to based microprocessors may sell acid, acidified, and low
Nashville. But along the road to stardom, a defining acid foods but must complete a couple of additional steps
moment changed LaDonna’s course. She married and before going to market. These microprocessors must
followed her heart to “sing a different song” apart from attend a workshop and have their recipes approved prior
her brothers. As a member of the National Speakers to registering with the Cabinet for Health Services.
Association, LaDonna’s keynotes and concerts keep her Kentucky Women in Agriculture is pleased to be able
on the road more than 100 days per year. She is delighted to offer a Home-based Microprocessor Workshop on
to be coming to Kentucky to be part of our conference, Nov. 3. To register for this workshop, visit the UK
and she will also conduct a concurrent session in the College of Agriculture Web site at www.ca.uky.edu or
afternoon. Her performance will inspire participants to watch for a registration form to be included with the
tap their toes, sing along, laugh, think, and reflect! Kentucky Women in Agriculture Conference Registration
mailing later this summer.
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Calendar of Events
July 2004
July 15, 2004 July 27, 2004
“Taste of Agriculture” UK Horticulture Department Twilight Tour
West Kentucky Growers Co-op UK Horticulture Research Farm
Owensboro, Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky
4 – 7 p.m. CST 6 p.m. (EST)
This event will feature tours of the co-op facility. The The UK Horticulture Department will host a Twilight
Kentucky Beef Producers and Kentucky Pork Producers Tour of current small fruit, vegetable and woody cut
will provide rib eye and pork chop plate dinners for $5. stem research. There will be two concurrent tours
Entertainment will be provided. County magistrates, beginning at 6 p.m. One tour will cover the fruit and
judges, and commissioners from across the state will be vegetable plots and the other will deal with woody cut
attending as part of their summer conference. Booth stem research. The complete tour description and
space is available for $50 to showcase and sell your directions are available on the Horticulture Department
Kentucky made products. Governor Ernie Fletcher is Web site in the June issue of "Fruit Facts"
tentatively scheduled to attend this event. Samples of (http://www.ca.uky.edu/fruitfacts/).
Kentucky foods will also be available. For more
information, visit the co-op Web site at
www.westkentuckygrowers.com or contact Joe Cecil at July 31, 2004
(270)764-2667 or joe@westkentuckygrowers.com. Henry County Harvest Showcase
Henry County Fairgrounds, New Castle, Kentucky
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST
July 15, 2004 The overall goal of the showcase is to promote the local
Third Thursday Thing agricultural economy to residents and to reach out to city
Kentucky State University Research Farm neighbors to help them reconnect with the land. Last
Frankfort, Kentucky year there were over 3,000 attendees from 10 counties.
If you’re interested in pasture poultry, make plans to Coordinated by the Community Farm Alliance and
attend this July workshop to learn more. For more several other local agencies and groups, there will be a
information, contact Marion Simon at (502)597-6437 or full schedule of music, food, and fun. The event is free
msimon@gwmail.kysu.edu. Or visit the Kentucky State and open to the public. Henry County farmers,
University Land Grant Program Web page at craftsmen, local and regional chefs, and ag business
http://www.kysu.edu/landgrant/calendar.htm. people will showcase their products. Events run from 10
a.m. until 6 p.m. (EST) and include old school games for
kids, hayrides, scarecrow making, and a petting zoo. For
July 27, 2004 more information contact Judge Executive John Logan
Lake Cumberland Women in Agriculture Area Meeting Brent at (502) 845-5707 or County Ag Marketer Doug
Taylor County Cooperative Extension Service Bates at (502) 845-0806.
Campbellsville, Kentucky
5 p.m. CST
The Lake Cumberland Women in Agriculture Area
Meeting returns with workshops, speakers, and dinner. Key Ingredients: America by Food
The pre-session will begin at 5:15 p.m. (ET), with dinner This traveling Smithsonian Institute exhibition will be
planned for 6:00 p.m. In the afternoon, participants may visiting the Homeplace on Green River July 17-August
visit the traveling Smithsonian Institute exhibit “Key 28. Located between Campbellsville and Columbia on
Ingredients: America by Food” at the Homeplace on Highway 55, the Homeplace is a 227-acre working farm
Green River. For more information, contact the managed by a volunteer board designed to educate,
Cooperative Extension Service office in Adair (270) 384- protect, and conserve. Hours and gate fees can be
2317, Russell (270)866-4477, Taylor (270)465-4511 or obtained online at www.homeplaceongreenriver.org or
Wayne County (606)348-8453. Directions to the Taylor by contacting the Taylor County Extension Office (270)
County Extension office are available online at 465-4511.
http://ces.ca.uky.edu/taylor/.
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Calendar of Events
August 2004
Aug. 19, 2004 Aug. 31, 2004
Third Thursday Thing Fayette County Field Day
The August "Third Thursday" workshop will provide the Mahan Farm – Russell Cave Road, Lexington, Kentucky
opportunity to participate in a one- or two-day tour. The 4 p.m. (ET)
first tour will include the West Kentucky Growers Co-op Come learn about agriculture in Fayette County. There
and a goat processor. The second tour will take will be two different tours offered – a traditional tour,
participants to the Central Kentucky Co-op in with stops including tobacco, cattle and pasture
Georgetown and the University of Kentucky Meats Lab. renovation, and an equine tour. The event will wrap up
For more information, contact Marion Simon at with a safety program and meal. The event is free and
(502)597-6437 or msimon@gwmail.kysu.edu. Visit the open to the public. For more information, contact
Kentucky State University Land Grant Program Web Carrie Johnson with Fayette County Farm Bureau at
page at http://www.kysu.edu/landgrant.htm. (859) 253-0023 or cjohnson@kyfb.com.
Aug. 19, 2004
Daviess County Farm Tour 100th Kentucky State Fair Celebration
Owensboro, Kentucky
4:30 p.m. (CST) Make plans now to attend the 100th Kentucky
Organized through the Greater Owensboro Chamber of State Fair August 19 to 29 in Louisville. Gates
Commerce Agri-Business Committee, this tour will open daily at 7 a.m., with exhibit buildings open
include two agricultural establishments. One is the farm from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. each day. Discount
of Joe Elliott where they are doing some experimental gate admission and Thrillway ride tickets are
projects with their tobacco partnering with Swedish available with a Kroger Plus card at Kroger
Match. Dinner will be provided. For more information, stores in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. For
contact Jenny Inman at (270) 925-1412 or
more information, visit the State Fair Web site at
jennyinman@hurleyandassociates.com.
www.kystatefair.org or call (502) 367-5000.
Aug. 20, 2004 The UK College of Agriculture will have a
Fridays After Five Agriculture Street Fair special exhibit in the South Wing which will
Downtown Riverfront, Owensboro, Ky emphasize energy efficiency and healthy homes
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. (CT) concepts. Please stop by to visit the exhibit
The street fair will feature agriculture-related booths located just off “Main Street” in the South Wing.
and information. Booth space is available, with fees
varying by set-up. For more information, visit the
Friday After 5 Web site at www.fridayafter5.com or
call (270) 683-2060.
An Online Resource for You – New Crop Opportunities Center Web Site
The University of Kentucky's New Crop Opportunities Center provides production and marketing information on
new crops and value-added versions of current crops. Its Web site (www.uky.edu/ag/newcrops) includes a section
titled “Crop Profiles.” At this location, you can access approximately 70 fact sheets on a number of crops. The fact
sheets offer introductory information about marketing, market outlook, production considerations, labor
requirements, potential profit per acre, etc. The site also includes information on starting a nursery business and
greenhouse structures. These fact sheets are designed to help farmers determine which crops might work for their
enterprises. They offer introductory information with links to more detailed publications.
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