The Daviess County Extension Office continues to be a resource for the region, providing research-based education and practical support for farmers, landowners, and residents, according to Clint Hardy, the county’s agricultural agent. As an extension of the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, the office offers services ranging from agriculture management to youth programs through 4-H.
“Our primary role is to identify issues in the community, communicate them back to research staff at the university, and then bring those research-based solutions back to our community,” Hardy said.
The extension office focuses on four key areas: agriculture, horticulture, family and consumer sciences, and 4-H youth development. Hardy works primarily with farmers and landowners, helping them apply the latest agricultural research to optimize crop yields and livestock performance.
One significant initiative is the CPH 60 program, which aims to improve the quality of Kentucky feeder calves.
“Historically, our calves weren’t performing well at feedlots out west,” Hardy said. “This program teaches farmers to wean and prepare their calves before sending them to market, improving their performance.”
The office’s activities align with the farming calendar throughout the year. He said winter months focus on educational programs held indoors, while summer and fall are spent in the fields assisting farmers with crop and livestock management. Extension agents also conduct research trials on local farms, compiling data to help farmers select the best-performing crop varieties for the area.
The office’s outreach extends beyond farmers to include landowners who may not have direct agricultural experience.
“Over half the farmland in Daviess County is rented by farmers from landowners, some of whom may be generations removed from agriculture,” Hardy said. “We assist these landowners with information on market values, land management, and conservation practices.”
Horticulture services are also available for residents and commercial growers, covering everything from vegetable production to lawn care.
“Annette, our horticulture agent, also oversees the Master Gardener program, which has become a valuable part of our office’s outreach,” Hardy said.
Additionally, family and consumer science programs provide education on nutrition, healthcare, and personal finance. He added that the 4-H program remains a cornerstone, offering youth development opportunities in schools and through volunteer-led activities.
Hardy emphasized that the extension office serves more than just farmers.
“While we work closely with agricultural producers, we’re here for everyone,” he said. “People can visit our website or contact us directly. The internet has changed how people access information, but we’re still the first link between the community and the research being done at the University of Kentucky.”
The Daviess County Extension Office has been part of the community for over 100 years, rooted in the land-grant university system initiated by President Abraham Lincoln in the 1800s.
“The extension service was created to bridge the gap between research universities and rural areas,” Hardy said. “That mission continues to guide our work today.”
For more information about the programs and services offered, visit the Daviess County Extension Office website or contact the office directly.
