Survey of Beginning Farmers in Kentucky
Survey of Beginning Farmers and Ranchers in Kentucky
University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension is partnering with researchers at the University of Kentucky and other agricultural organizations throughout the state to conduct a state wide, web based survey of beginning farmers. This survey will help ‘fill in the gaps’ of existing agricultural data sources, and provide timely, detailed information about a key sector of our agricultural community
Take the survey!
Si usted desea tomar esta encuesta en español haga click aqui y seleccione 'español' en el menú desplegable en el cuadro pequeño en la parte superior derecha.
Who do you consider to be a beginning farmer?
For the purposes of this project we are using the USDA’s definition of Beginning Farmer, which is anyone with ten years or less of managerial experience on a farm operation. This includes a wide range of farmers including; young farmers taking over a family enterprise, individuals from non-farming backgrounds who are interning or apprenticing on farms, individuals who entered farming after retiring from a previous profession.
We anticipate that there are different ‘types’ of beginning farmers who will have many needs and characteristics in common, but also distinct needs that can be met by targeted programming or policies.
Because no comprehensive list of beginning farmers exists, we are relying on key members of the agricultural community to help spread the word.
Why is this survey important?
Because many beginning farmers do not yet have their own farming enterprises, they are not included in traditional agricultural surveys, yet they can benefit greatly from extension programs and training. Results from this survey will provide information on a wide range of questions regarding who beginning farmers are, where and how they’re farming, and what they see as key challenges and opportunities that they face.
Why should begining and aspiring farmers participate?
The incentive for farmers to participate is twofold: 1) the survey is prime opportunity to help program and policy developers better understand the past experiences and current needs and opportunities faced by beginning farmers in Kentucky 2) participants can enter a raffle to win one of four $50 gift certificates to Southern States.
What will be done with the results of the survey?
Data from this survey will be supplemented by findings from 5 focus group currently being conducted with beginning farmers across the state. Findings from the research project will be synthesized into a final report that will be made publically available through the UK College of Agriculture. Data from the survey will also be held at the College of Agriculture and available for queries from agents and other agricultural organizations interested in serving beginning farmers.
Aditional Questions? Contact Lilian Brislen at Lilian.Brislen@uky.edu
