Join 2025 Kentucky Direct Marketing Summit

By Blake Jackson

The 2025 Kentucky Direct Marketing Summit will offer producers across all agricultural sectors an opportunity to explore key marketing strategies over three nights, from October 20 to 22.

Each evening, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. EST, will focus on a different marketing channel: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), Farmers Markets, and Food as Medicine. Participants are encouraged to register even if they cannot attend live sessions, as recordings will be made available afterward.

The summit opens on Monday, October 20, with the theme “Community Supported Agriculture.” Chris and Amy Coulter of Coulter’s Good Earth Farm will discuss CSA Model Innovations and how farms can develop sustainable models that benefit both growers and customers.

Jairus Rossi, a Ph.D. graduate from the University of Kentucky, will follow with an analysis of consumer values and CSA subscription choices in Central Kentucky, highlighting connections between community health and local agriculture.

On Tuesday, October 21, the focus shifts to Farmers Markets. Savannah Columbia from the University of Kentucky will present Engaging Your Community with Farmers Market Programming.

Maddie Grider and Jennifer Weeber will share insights on Community Fundraising and Grants to support market growth. The evening will close with Kati Bowman and Brett Wolff discussing Marketing Opportunities for Farmers Markets Throughout the Year.

The summit concludes on Wednesday, October 22, with “Food as Medicine.” Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf from the University of Kentucky will present Local Food, Local Impact, emphasizing how local foods can promote public health.

Bethany Cox and Emily Spencer will wrap up the event with a session on Strategies for Marketing the Health Benefits of Local Food.

For additional details or to register, contact Bethany Cox at bethany@kyhortcouncil.org. The summit is hosted by the Kentucky Horticulture Council and aims to empower producers with actionable tools to grow, market, and connect their farm products effectively.

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