K-State Research and Extension Johnson County

Celebrating Agriculture in Johnson County

garden market

"We are dedicated to a safe, sustainable, competitive food and fiber system and to strong healthy communities, families, and youth through integrated research, analysis, and education."

Johnson County is the most populous county in Kansas and is located adjacent to metropolitan Kansas City. The local Johnson County Extension office, a unique partnership between Kansas State University, Johnson County Government, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Cooperative Extension Service -- is set up a bit differently to serve the unique Agricultural needs of our local area.

Urban Food Systems

With our urban neighbors close by, agriculture has both its challenges and opportunities. One of those opportunities is to help people understand where their food comes from and the variety of ways it can be produced.

volunteers washing garden produce

Extension Master Gardeners maintain ten Demonstration Gardens throughout the county, four of which grow produce which feeds Johnson County residents. The Sunset Community Garden is both a teaching and working garden, with volunteers from the community. We connect area Community Gardens where neighbors can access local produce and spots to garden, and support local farmers selling and producing for local restaurants, farmers markets, and direclty to consumers.

Our Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health agent Chelsea Reinberg and Extension Master Food Volunteers educate the community on nutrition, food safety, and food preservation, and support efforts to increase access to local foods.

Youth Development

dalton teaches kids a class about cowsJohnson County 4-H offers lots of opportunities for youth to explore agriculture, including Johnson County Youth for Agriculture, Skillathon event at the Johnson County Fair, and Livestock Judging.

Slice of Ag is an annual event for area 4th graders to experience learning about the industry of agriculture, and where their food comes from.

Willie and the Salad Bonanza is a contest open to elementary, middle and high school teams, along with other K-12 community organizations interested in the scientific principles surrounding plant growth.

Natural Resources and Wildlife Management

We have resources for healthy ponds , managing forests, selecting native plants , and wildlife management . Our Natural Resources agent Amy Keigher , along with Extension Master Naturalists , work to educate and preserve Johnson County's natural spaces.

Farms to Small Farms to Windowsill Gardens

According to the USDA 2022 Census of Agriculture:

  • There are 613 farms in Johnson County, amounting to about 17% of land use.
  • Of these farms in Johnson County, 68% are size 49 acres or less.

We provide services for traditional farmers as well as resources for small-scale farms and home gardens, including soil testing , how to compost , and selecting the right plants to grow in our area. Extension Master Gardeners provide research-based answers through the Garden Hotline , on everything from veggies to trees to pests. Horticulture Small Farms agent Anthony Reardon is available to answer questions and connect residents with university resources.

Learn more about Johnson County K-State Research and Extension:

class lady talking to a child