Have you ever dreamed of starting your own farm but felt overwhelmed by the business side of things? Or maybe you’ve already dipped your toes into farming and want to take your operation to the next level. If that sounds like you — and you’ve been farming for less than 10 years — KY Farm Launch might be the perfect opportunity.
KY Farm Launch is a nine-month, in-person training program based in Lexington, designed specifically for beginning farmers. The program kicks off in March 2026 and runs through November, meeting one full day each week. Best of all? There’s no cost to participate, just a commitment to show up and a passion for building your farm business.
This hands-on program is more than just learning how to grow crops or raise livestock. It’s about building a sustainable, profitable farm operation. Participants will receive training in production techniques for vegetables, small fruits, beef cattle, sheep, goats and poultry. KY Farm Launch also dives deep into business planning, marketing strategies and management skills, areas that often seem overwhelming to new farmers. The goal is to take away some of the barriers that discourage people from getting started.
The program is a partnership between the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD), the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office, UKCSA and The Food Connection @ UK. It’s funded through a USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grant, which means participants get access to top-notch resources and expertise at no cost.
Participants will learn from experienced community farmers and Extension staff on UK farms in and around Lexington. You’ll get one-on-one mentoring and join a supportive cohort of other beginning farmers who share your challenges and goals.
If you’ve got less than 10 years of farming experience and the drive to grow your operation, don’t miss this chance. Applications for the second class of KY Farm Launch are now open. For more information, contact your Carter County Extension office or visit https://bfrdp.mgcafe.uky.edu/. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
Upcoming Events:
- Little Sandy Beekeepers – January 6th @ 6:30 PM – Topic – Brainy Bees: Using Honey Bee Brains to Understand Shifts in Behavior
- Extension District Board – January 13th @ 10:00 AM
- Livestock Predator Control Program – January 22nd @6:00 PM – Boyd County Extension Fairgrounds
