About Macey
Major: Agricultural Economics
Graduates: May 2025
Macey served as the 2024 Summer Fellow with the University of Kentucky Center for Crop Diversification. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she has focused on the intersection of marketing, agritourism, and farm management. During her fellowship, she developed a deep interest in the role of agritourism and specialty crop marketing in supporting Kentucky’s local food economy.
Macey’s summer fellowship was funded by the Kentucky Horticulture Council and supervised by CCD Senior Extension Specialist Brett Wolff.
Macey's Work
Macey collected price data at the Lexington Farmers Market, taking photos and engaging with vendors to inform a CCD social media campaign. She also compiled produce auction price reports for CCD—critical grower support resources with over 100,000 downloads since 2016.
In addition to market work, Macey completed the first draft of an Extension publication focused on management considerations for agritourism operations across Kentucky. She conducted farm visits and interviews as part of this project, which is currently under review with the UK-CCD team and scheduled for publication in 2025.
Macey collaborated with Brett Wolff on a grower presentation titled “Economics of Plasticulture,” which she delivered to over 350 attendees at the Franklin County Farm City Field Day alongside Extension professionals and other experts. She also authored articles on specialty crop price dynamics for both the CCD Newsletter and the UK Agricultural Economics Economic Policy Update, collectively reaching more than 3,000 readers including farmers, educators, and technical assistance providers.
Her engagement extended beyond writing and data collection—Macey shadowed Jessica Bessin, Mercer County Horticulture Agent, and met with Sharon Spencer of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to discuss Kentucky Proud and Local Food initiatives.
Writing and Presentations
Farmers Market Prices: Trends From This Season - June 27, 2024
The article analyzes 2024 Kentucky farmers market price trends, noting that urban markets saw higher and more volatile prices for crops like strawberries, radishes, and greens, while rural prices stayed steadier and lower. Overall, specialty crop prices remain elevated early in the season but are expected to ease later as supply increases.
Agritourism Management in Kentucky (forthcoming, 2025)
Macey’s upcoming CCD publication explores key management considerations for agritourism operators across Kentucky, integrating interviews and site visits to provide practical insights for farmers expanding into tourism.
Economics of Plasticulture Presentation (2024)
Presented to more than 350 attendees at the Franklin County Farm City Field Day, this talk—co-developed with Brett Wolff—introduced economic factors affecting adoption of plasticulture systems and the importance of specialty crop diversification in Kentucky.