Center for Crop Diversification

Just a reminder, the Kentucky Christmas Tree Association's Annual Fall Meeting is September 12, 2026. The meeting will begin at 10 AM at Barker’s Christmas Tree Farm. Dr. Jonathan Larson will be the guest speaker! Lunch will be at 1:00 PM, followed by a visit to Nieman’s Christmas Tree Farm.

Please submit your reservation sheet by August 31. Learn more and RSVP here 👉 https://kychristmastreefarms.com/annual-fall-meeting/

Our old buddy Josh Knight is doing an amazing job with the Vermont Farm markets and their price reporting. Raising the bar for our Kentucky reports! See here:

agriculture.vermont.gov

Time is running out to register for the upcoming field day! Don't forget, KY farmers can get reimbursed for registration, travel and lodging! https://ccd.uky.edu/atfd

Really excited about this publication by our colleagues over in the University of Kentucky Department of Horticulture! Just in time to start prepping for this winter!
https://ccd.uky.edu/news/new-guide-helps-growers-prepare-severe-weather

Last week, Savannah and Eliana Lee (our CCD Summer Fellow) attended the Woodford County Cooperative Extension Service's 60th Annual Woodford County Farm Tour. The tour featured a behind-the-scenes look at Eckert's Orchard and Sycamore Farm. We'd like to give a special thanks to the Extension Service and the event's sponsors for organizing this event!

🌼 Attention 🌼 We are seeking insight into the pricing of selected Kentucky-grown cut flowers at selected direct-to-consumer and intermediated market channels. If you would like to participate in this anonymous survey, please follow the link below.

You must be 18 years of age or older and grow/sell flowers in Kentucky to participate.

Survey 👉 https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0lGyGIRFXaW1u2a
This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Nos. 2024-70027-42471, 2025-70027-45397.

Our Appropriate Tools & Technology Field Day with the Organic Association of Kentucky + the Kentucky Horticulture Council is almost here! The registration deadline is August 15. Remember, Kentucky growers can get fully reimbursed for registration AND travel! Links below 😉

Register 👉https://ccd.uky.edu/atfd
Reimbursement Sign-up 👉 https://tinyurl.com/fielddayreimburse

We are excited to welcome Dr. Julie Peterson to the UK Extension Entomology Team 🐝🐜🦋
Read more 👉

Welcome Dr. Julie Peterson to UK Extension Entomology Team Our newest Extension Entomology specialist, Dr. Julie Peterson, officially joined the Department of Entomology on July 1st. Julie will be located on campus in Lexington, KY and will be focused on t…

🌾 Registration is open 🌾 The 2026 Southeastern Grain Gathering returns this fall as an immersive, working gathering focused on the structural questions shaping small grain economies across the Ohio Valley and Southeast. Register here 👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/southeastern-grain-gathering-tickets-1988779373643

📅 September 13-14, 2026
📍Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg, KY

This year's theme, Making Diversified Grain Systems Work, recognizes that growing grain is only part of the equation. Long-term success depends on strong markets, coordinated infrastructure, trusted partnerships, and business models that reward quality, flavor, stewardship, and fair returns.

Rather than following a single track, participants move throughout the gathering, building their own experience across four program themes:

TALK explores the ideas, partnerships, and practical challenges shaping regional grain economies, from grain quality and certifications to sustainability, infrastructure, market development, policy, and farmer-led innovation.

EAT celebrates regional grains through thoughtfully prepared meals, culinary demonstrations, and conversations that connect farmers, chefs, bakers, and food businesses around flavor, culture, and place.

DRINK examines the role of grain in Kentucky bourbon, craft beer, barley tea, and other beverages through guided tastings, technical discussions, and conversations about terroir, sourcing, and craftsmanship.

MAKE invites participants to roll up their sleeves through hands-on workshops exploring flour, fermentation, milling, baking, noodle making, and the many ways grain is transformed into exceptional food.

⭐ New Pub Alert ⭐

🍅 If you are using a high tunnel or greenhouse structure to support extended-season growth of indeterminate tomatoes, check out the latest publication from the UK Greenhouse and Controlled-Environment Agriculture (CEA) group, in collaboration with UK Plant Pathology.

🍅 Growers interested in grafting or early seedling development may consult another guide from the group, which also includes a teaching activity to help beginners understand young plant development and identify issues that may affect mature plant productivity.

Learn more about these publications here 👉 https://ccd.uky.edu/news/new-greenhouse-tomato-resources-published