McCracken County Extension District Board

The event celebrated the 2026 Night of Excellence, recognizing distinguished alumni and friends for their leadership, service, and impact on the college, industries, and communities. Key discussion points included reinforcing the land-grant mission across teaching, research, and extension. Awards presented were the Horizon Award, the Orin and Myrtle Friend of Martin Gaton Cafe Award, the 2026 Paul Apple Alumni Service Awards, and the 2026 Hall of Distinguished Alumni Induction. The Horizon Award was presented to Dr. Antoia Mia Ferrell for her early professional accomplishments. The Paul Apple Alumni Service Award recognized Mr. Joe Duncan for his teaching excellence and dedication to student success, and Dr. Sue Whitaker for her extensive service in family and consumer sciences. Dr. Stuart Brown received the Orin and Myrtle Friend of Martin Gaton Cafe Award for his dedication as a non-alumnus in advancing equine health and welfare.

This document outlines the Kentucky Agriculture Water Quality Plan implemented by TNT Farms in Oldham County, Kentucky. The plan focuses on conservation practices to prevent runoff and protect water quality, particularly in the Floyd's Fork watershed. Key strategies include heavy use area protection, rotational grazing, fencing streams, and utilizing sound nutrient management with manure. The farm has leveraged federal, state, and local cost-share programs to implement these practices, ensuring the protection of land and water resources for future generations.

Dean Laura Stephenson's vision for the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture Food Environment centers on leveraging its multidisciplinary strength to address complex problems. Key focuses include preparing students for career success through practical experiences and industry partnerships, and fostering innovative research deeply integrated with student learning to develop future leaders. The vision also highlights capitalizing on new funding and infrastructure investments to boost research initiatives, secure additional funding, and achieve national recognition for its contributions.

The proceedings focused on the address by Dr. Eli Capilouto, President, reflecting on his career in medicine and relating it to the University's agricultural mission of nourishing people. Key themes discussed included the University of Kentucky's responsibility to serve the Commonwealth and the pursuit of "wildly possible" achievements. Mention was made of significant institutional growth, including 7,000 new residence hall beds, a new hospital, and a $270 million research building, noting that space constraints are emerging due to increased grant activity. The importance of collaboration, shared vision, and carrying on the legacy established since the Center's inception in 1925 were emphasized. Acknowledgements were made to various supporting bodies, including the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, trustees, agricultural chairs, the General Assembly, Commissioner Qualls, and Dean Nancy Cox.

This document outlines the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension's process for conducting a Statewide Community Needs Assessment. The assessment gathers information from Kentuckians regarding community needs that the Extension can address or connect to partners. It utilizes secondary data to provide county profiles and incorporates approximately 36,000 survey responses from across the state. The results are intended to be used by County Extension offices for developing their plans of work and are available online.