AEC-103: Distillery Grain Demand in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and Ohio

Ryan Murphy, Grant Gardner, Tyler Mark, Seth DeBolt | April 1, 2026 (New)

This article discusses the demand for grains by whiskey distilleries and estimates the amount of grain demanded in Kentucky and surrounding states. While the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) estimate grain use for food, it is difficult to assess the impact of distilleries on grain demand. The University of Kentucky Extension publication Bourbon’s Boom: Growth, Trends, and the Role of Agriculture (AEC-104) discusses the growth in bourbon (Murphy et al. 2026); however, this article delves deeper into demand and examines distilleries’ current grain requirements. This article aims to educate producers and the public on the demand for grain in Kentucky distilleries.

AEC-104: Bourbon’s Boom: Growth, Trends, and the Role of Agriculture

Ryan Murphy, Grant Gardner, Tyler Mark, Seth DeBolt | April 1, 2026 (New)

Over the past two decades, bourbon has not only reclaimed its spot as America's native spirit but also emerged as a global symbol of craftsmanship, authenticity, and agricultural heritage. From small craft distilleries to large-scale operations, the U.S. bourbon industry has experienced tremendous growth, driven by shifting consumer preferences, policy changes, and expanding export markets. This publication explores the significant trends shaping the bourbon sector today while highlighting the deep connection between bourbon and American agriculture—particularly the farmers who grow the grains. The University of Kentucky Extension publication Distillery Grain Demand in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and Ohio (AEC-103) further highlights the industry’s significance for grain producers by assessing the grain requirements of distilleries in Kentucky and neighboring states (Murphy et al. 2026).

ID-119: Ornamental Gourd Production in Kentucky

Amanda Sears | March 31, 2026 (Major Revision)

Gourds are hard-shelled members of the Cucurbit family and are among the oldest cultivated plants. When dried, they have traditionally been used for many purposes including dippers, spoons, storage containers, bowls, musical instruments, and toys. A few types of gourds are edible if picked when immature but most are valued primarily for their beauty and used for crafts and as decorations.

ID-36: Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers, 2026-28

Shawn Wright, Rachel Rudolph, Ric Bessin, Nicole Gauthier, Kimberly Leonberger, Ed Dixon, Henry Smith, April Lamb, Oluwaseun Kolawole | February 3, 2026 (Major Revision)

Successful vegetable production generally requires the grower to make daily decisions regarding pest management, irrigation, and cultural practices. Would-be growers unwilling to make serious investments of time (and money) should not attempt to expand beyond a space at the farmers’ market. It is important for vegetable growers to have a market outlet for their product before they choose to start production. Good marketing plans start with the customer and work backward to production. Potential growers should first determine exactly what buyers want, how they want it, and when they want it. They then must determine how these crops should be grown. Even selecting varieties and determining planting times are basic marketing decisions. Kentucky growers should pay particular attention to comparisons of marketing time required, compatibility with off-farm employment, compatibility with tobacco production, and other farm demands. Individual situations vary, and producers often must learn about their particular markets by starting small and getting a foot in the door.

PR-869: 2024-2025 Specialty Crops Research Report

Brent Arnoldussen, Cindy Finneseth, Rachel Rudolph, Daniel Becker, Christine Bradley, Kathryn Pettigrew, Martin Polo, Ginny Travis | January 9, 2026 (New)

Similar to the last compilation of reports (PR-832), this features work from the last two years. Additionally, readers will likely have noticed the name change from Fruit and Vegetable Research Report to Specialty Crops Research Report. With the addition of new faculty in the Department of Horticulture and the expansion of interest in cut flowers and ornamentals, we thought it appropriate to update the publication’s name. Readers will still find rigorous and interesting trial information and perhaps find something new they may want to trial on their own farms. Research was conducted by University of Kentucky faculty, staff, and students from the horticulture department, as well as faculty, staff, and students of Kentucky State University.

NEP-251: Growing Your Own: Soil Testing

Erika Olsen, Bethany Pratt, Rachel Rudolph, Rick Durham | September 30, 2025 (New)

Every time you grow something, the plant takes nutrients from the soil. Testing a soil sample before planting your garden can help you know what nutrients or other chemicals are present in your soil. The results recommend what fertilizers you may need to add for a successful crop. Healthy soil leads to healthy plants.

NEP-250: Growing Your Own: Winter Squash and Pumpkins

Erika Olsen, Rick Durham, Rachel Rudolph | September 26, 2025 (New)

Winter squash and pumpkins are grown until their ripe fruit has a hard rind and mature seeds inside. It can be fun to harvest their fruits for decoration or store them to eat in the winter.

NEP-249: Growing Your Own: Cabbage

Erika Olsen, Rick Durham, Rachel Rudolph | September 4, 2025 (New)

Cabbage is a cool-season crop that is rich in vitamins. In Kentucky, it can grow from March to December. Cabbage can be eaten raw or cooked.

NEP-248: Growing Your Own: Peas

Erika Olsen, Rick Durham, Rachel Rudolph | September 2, 2025 (New)

Peas are a cool-season crop that are high in fiber and low in fat. Pea pods or shelled peas are a crispy, sweet snack and fun to pick and eat.

NEP-247: Growing Your Own: Raspberries

Erika Olsen, Rick Durham, Rachel Rudolph | August 21, 2025 (New)

Raspberries can be costly to buy, but you can grow them in your backyard. Plant their perennial roots and your raspberry patch will grow new canes each spring. You can pick your own fresh berries for years to come.