For the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, part of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, serving all 120 counties in the Commonwealth is driven by a passion and mission of improving lives. 

Everyday extension agents strengthen Kentucky farms, food systems and natural resources for both producers and the general public through research, education and collaboration. Their efforts are key to improving the lives of Kentuckians and creating more vibrant communities. 

The 109th National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference drew professional extension agents from all over the country to connect and learn from each other. Several Kentucky extension county agents were recognized for outstanding accomplishments and service. 

“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.” 

UK Cooperative Extension agents were recognized for the following: 

• Distinguished Service Award encourages and recognizes excellence members with more than ten years of service, the highest honor NACAA bestows on its members. Chelsey Anderson, Cumberland County extension; Brandon Sears, Madison County extension; and Vicki Shadrick, Webster County extension were awarded. 
• Achievement Award recognizes agents with less than 10 years of service, demonstrating excellence in extension educational programming. Kendal Bowman, Owen County extension; Adam Huber, Allen County extension and April Wilhoit, Fleming County extension were awarded. 
• Communications Award in Audio Recordings is a national recognition in innovation and excellence in audio communication. David Fourqurean, McLean County extension; Vicki Shadrick, Webster County extension; and Jay Stone, Lyon County extension were awarded for the Kentucky Ag Matters podcast, which received this NACAA award the previous year. 
• Communications Award in Published Photo recognized excellence in published photography. Jessica Bessin, Mercer County extension was a national finalist. 
• Search for Excellence Award recognizes excellence for new, innovative ideas. Alexis Sheffield, former Boyle County extension and Kristin Hildabrand, Warren County extension were national finalists in the Commercial and Consumer Horticulture category for the program "Empowering KY Farmers to Thrive in the Cut Flower Industry.” Kendal Bowman, Owen County extension was also a national finalist in the Sustainable Agriculture category for the program “Navigating Heirs Property.” 
• Communications Award in Education Video Recordings recognizes excellence in video recordings for educational purposes. Joanna Coles, Warren County extension was a regional winner. 
• Leadership Academy is an opportunity for professional development. Linda Hieneman, Greenup County extension completed the annual NACAA Leadership Academy. 

“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.” 

To learn more about UK Extension, visit https://extension.ca.uky.edu. For more information on extension programs in Kentucky, contact your local County Extension Office at https://extension.ca.uky.edu/county.

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The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to 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 expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.