Kentucky Extension Agents win NACAA awards

By Blake Jackson

The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service has a lot to celebrate after its recent success at the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference.

Multiple Kentucky extension agents were recognized for their outstanding contributions to agriculture and natural resources.

“Kentucky had a strong showing and was well represented at the NACAA Annual Meeting,” said April Wilhoit, agriculture and natural resources agent at the Fleming County Extension Office at Martin-Gatton CAFE, Kentucky Association of County Agricultural Agents (KACAA) public relations director and NACAA achievement award recipient. “It’s so wonderful to see so many colleagues getting the recognition they deserve for all their passion and hard work that they bring to the table each and every day.”

Several Kentucky extension agents were honored with prestigious awards:

• Distinguished Service Award: Chelsey Anderson (Cumberland County), Brandon Sears (Madison County), and Vicki Shadrick (Webster County)
• Achievement Award: Kendal Bowman (Owen County), Adam Huber (Allen County), and April Wilhoit (Fleming County)
• Communications Award in Audio Recordings: David Fourqurean (McLean County), Vicki Shadrick, and Jay Stone (Lyon County) for the Kentucky Ag Matters podcast
• Communications Award in Published Photo: Jessica Bessin (Mercer County)
• Search for Excellence Award: Alexis Sheffield (formerly Boyle County) and Kristin Hildabrand (Warren County) for their work in the cut flower industry, and Kendal Bowman for his work in navigating heirs' property.
• Communications Award in Education Video Recordings: Joanna Coles (Warren County)
• Leadership Academy: Linda Hieneman (Greenup County)

“Kentucky is so fortunate to have agents in all 120 counties doing fantastic work,” said Corinne Belton, Shelby County Extension Office agricultural and natural resources extension agent and KACAA past president. “Our association is proud to recognize the achievements of our regional and national award winners. We encourage everyone to check out our innovative programs and learn more about upcoming events in their own county.”

Photo Credit: national-association-counry-agricultural-agents