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A ‘full’ immigration reform package is not likely for 2008 according to Ky U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell but he has some ideas for possible improvement to one element; the H2A worker program.

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The 2007 Census of Agriculture is now getting underway. A conversation with the Ky Ag Statistics Service’s Lee Brown who will be coordinating the information gathering from Kentucky farmers.

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It’s estimated that 20% of a cattleman’s annual income comes from the sale of cull cows. The Ky Ag Dept’s Warren Beeler says the application of a new approach to selling culls can boost profits.

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A feature report on the new uses for tobacco plants in creating new pharmaceuticals. Comments from Orlando Chambers with the Ky Tobacco Research and Development Center.

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The Master Gardeners group in Greenup County delivered an early Christmas gift to the area in the form of building and maintaining a landscape project at the local War Memorial. Comments from local extension agent Linda Heineman.

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Morgantown will soon be developing a new permanent farmers' market facility. The mayor and Butler County Extension agent comment on the need for and impact of the new project.

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Across Kentucky efforts are underway to use tobacco settlement funds to improve farm income. This story features an effort through the Estill County Conservation District.

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The Ky State Police and the state Ag Dept have joined forces for improved training efforts for All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) drivers. KSP Captain Tim Lucas say Ky leads the nation in ATV fatalities and they're hoping to reverse that trend.

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Despite Ky's Easter freeze and the worst drought in history, strong prices and more acres for the majority of farmers have lead to record farm cash receipt projections for 2007, even in 2008.

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Kentucky farmers have lined out their legislative agenda for the coming General Assembly. Farm Bureau Public Affairs Director Laura Knoth discusses a few of the top priorities.

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A report with Ky Farm Bureau Public Relations Director, Terri Bradshaw, on wintertime heating safety in the home. She discusses wood heat, gas and oil, kerosene heaters, and even artificial logs and safety aspects of all heating devices.

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Torey Earle in McCracken County is the new 4-H agent for Science, Engineering and Technology, and discusses the youth group’s push to draw more youngsters into this educational career path.

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Harold and Shannon Burton of Mason County now custom raise dairy heifer replacements, about 6,000 of them.  Shannon talks about some timely help from KCARD to keep track of the animals.

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A Logan County ‘mom and pop’ on-the-farm dairy processing operation, J.D. Country Milk has received a state ag development grant to expand its product offerings.

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Mike Hubbs, the “new” state director of the Natural Resources and Conservation Service (USDA) has been in Ky for about a year now and does a one-year assessment of conservation progress.

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A report with UK beef specialist Roy Burris who advises producers to ‘bite the bullet’ for higher cost feeds to keep their herds healthy through this winter. He says it’ll pay long term dividends.

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Despite the drought it was a good year for Kentucky’s farmers’ markets numbering about 115 statewide.  Ky Ag Dept market coordinator Janet Eaton provides some year-end details.

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A story on the ’07 crop season for Ky farmers and about their outlook as they come from across the state to Louisville for the 88th annual meeting of the Ky Farm Bureau.

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A report on a cost share program now underway to try and add more “bio-fuels” distributors in Kentucky.

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Kentucky’s Roadside Farm Markets are kicking into high gear with their “winter season.” Ky Farm Bureau’s Roadside Markets Coordinator, Sandy Gardner says dozens of them are open, providing winter time memories for families that visit.

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Fleming County farmers Scott and Mary Ann Porter focus on forages and livestock production and have made into the top three elite in the state’s Outstanding Young Farm Family contest.

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Representatives from all major commodity groups gathered at the Farm Bureau recently to get a preview from legislators on the coming session of the General Assembly. Farm lobbyist Laura Knoth comments.

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A visit with Ryan White of Union County, another of the finalists in the Outstanding Young Farm Family contest. He farms big acres with three brothers and three nephews.

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A report on a successful Ag Development project expanding a regional meat processor in the Warren County area. With new USDA approved facilities they can sell local products direct to consumers, and the shop can also serve as a market for local producers.

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A feature story with Sarah Jones of Allen County: she and husband Bart are one of the top three finalists in the Outstanding Young Farm Family competition.

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A report on the Spencer County FFA chapter which was recognized as one of the top three chapters in the nation for its projects involving local middle school students and practical math.

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Another feature with the Butterball Turkey Talkline folks who are on duty even on Thanksgiving Day to help desperate chefs get through any last minute snafus threatening the big turkey day meal.

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A story on the new Local Forest Organizations that are springing up in Kentucky.  Harlan County land owner Don Miniard explains the role of LFO’s in improving woodland utilization.

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A report on the new community bio-refinery designed to make ethanol in a new way.  Alltech spokesman Billy Frey discusses the regional impact of the Springfield, Ky plant.

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A feature on the Butterball Turkey Talkline with over 50 dieticians and home economists standing by to help families with any kind of preparation problem for the Thanksgiving Day meal.

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A story on some tax breaks that the IRS will allow to help relieve some of the tax burden on farmers that may develop as a result of forced cattle sales to deal with the drought of 2007.

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A report with Daviess County young farmers Matthew Castlen who’s invented a tool for use in maintenance of grass waterways which help control soil erosion.

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A feature story on some major successes that Ky FFA enjoyed at the recent national convention of that organization. State FAA Executive Director, Matt Chaliff, is featured.

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An update on the hottest issues of interest to the farm sector for 2007.  Mark Haney, chair of the Farm Bureau Resolutions committee discusses some of the more important farm issue.

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A report on a new community weather tracking program that will allow average citizens to track and record official rainfall, hail and snow accumulations to be used by the National Weather Service.

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UK forage specialist Garry Lacefield discusses the continued grind on farmers trying to make their hay supplies stretch through the winter. He offers a few ideas.

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A very innovative Greenup County farmer has built a mobile hay feeder out of a little lumber and some scrap metal.  He feels he’s saving about 30% of his hay supply from getting wasted by weather.

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A blue ribbon committee dealing with the shortage of large animal veterinarians in Ky has come up with a list of proposals to deal with that issue. Committee chair John Hendricks comments.

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The Specialty Foods Group out of Owensboro, a meats processor, has been approved for a $1 million ag development loan to open up a new hot dog processing line that will soon mean more demand for Ky livestock producers.

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Farmers should not be sitting on the sidelines during this Tuesday’s general election. Farm Bureau President Marshall Coyle says voting should be a farmer’s number one farm chore on Tuesday.

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The UK Wheat Science Group has won a prestigious national award for their ability to take research and put it to work quickly on Kentucky farms.  UK Soils Specialist Lloyd Murdock comments.

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What’s the connection between the Rolling Stones rock band and the Ky Farm Bureau?  Boyle County ag leader Terry Gilbert explains that it is simply a “book.”

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A Ky FSA official discusses new disaster emergency loans available to farmers and some of the requirements that farmers will need to fulfill.

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Harvest season is a busy time on Ky farms and consequently a dangerous time on rural highways where farmers must use local roads to move equipment.  A report on trends in auto/farm equipment collisions.

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A report on micro-processing workshops that are providing tremendous opportunities for a growing number of produce farmers wanting to take the next step up: of ‘adding value” to their crops.

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A feature story on the success of the UK Horse Racing Club with its advisor says is providing some great networking opportunities for students and horse training industry leaders.

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Kentucky animal disease officials are participating in a pilot program for a quick alert procedure if an animal disease problem should arise.  State Vet, Dr. Robert Stout is featured.

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Getting Kentucky-grown lamb into Kentucky retail stores is a major goal as the Ky Sheep and Wool Producers Association prepares for its annual meeting this weekend.

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An update with Ky Farm Bureau President Marshall Coyle on efforts at the state and federal levels in helping Kentucky farmers get through the drought of ’07.

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The blue tongue disease which is taking a heave toll on deer in Ky is now starting to spread sporadically into cattle herds. Dr. Wade Northington, Director of the Breathitt Veterinary Medical Center in Hopkinsville provides details and suggestions for farmers.

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One of the sleeper programs in the whole ag development process is in the area of finance.  Bill McCloskey, Director of Financial Services for the Governor’s Office of Ag Policy describes a major, low interest, finance program open to many farmers.

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The state ag development board recently directed the Governor’s Office on Ag Policy to make some “drought friendly” changes to model programs to help farmers get through the winter.

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Kentucky’s fall of ’07 is shaping up to be the ‘perfect storm’ of forest fires seasons. Leah MacSwords, Director of the Ky Division of Forestry discusses the dangers and precautions for landowners.

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The Ky Farm Bureau’s Roadside Market Operator’s Fall tour is set for this week.  Roadside committee chair John Hendricks a roadside operator in Clark County talks about the value of the event.

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A story on the Town Hall Meeting this week on the concept of 25 by ’25, the push to replace petroleum energy use with bio-based fuels by the year 2025.

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The aquaculture industry has had its share of bumps and bruises as it muddles through its growing pains. A Ky Ag Dept  official discusses some of the potential for a variety of species that can and are being produced here successfully.

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The state’s meat goat herd is in the top five in the country and continuing to grow.  Ray Bowman with the Ky Sheep and Goat Development Office discusses industry progress.

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Kentucky beef producers have sustained one of the worst growing years for forages to feed their livestock. A UK specialist discusses suggestions for getting their herds through the winter.

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Murray State University’s Dr Tony Brannon is heading up a special task force developing a long-term, strategic plan for Kentucky agriculture.  A meeting series runs Oct 10 – Oct 16.

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An update on ‘life after the tobacco buyout’ taking a look at resulting trends at this major change in Ky agriculture.  UK ag economist Dr. Will Snell makes several observations.

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The Ky Aquaculture Association’s annual meeting is set for Oct 19. KDA aquaculture specialist Angela Caporelli discusses some of the challenges and successes of this new option for Kentuckians.

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While the production of meat goats in Ky continues to increase, the access to goat meat at retail outlets is still very sparse. UK goat specialist Terry Hutchens discusses new options to locate the product.

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An introduction of Jimmy Henning the new Dean and Director of the UK Extension service. He discusses the agency’s role and impact on the lives of rural and urban citizens.

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Fall harvest season will mean more farm equipment being moved out on the highways.  KDA Safety Administrator Dale Dobson discusses several issues in Ky farm safety.

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LFO’s, Local Forestry Organizations are popping up in southeastern Ky and farm leaders hope they will spread statewide. Clay County’s Bige Hensley says they’re designed to assist landowners in getting more value out of the woodlands.

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September is National Food Safety Month and Ky Beef Council rep Allison Smith has some great ideas for keeping cooking and food handling chores safe around the home and grill.

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Kentucky’s forest fire season doesn’t actually start until October 1, but the state forestry division’s Leah MacSwords says the rate of fires for September is already a record setter.

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Feldhaus visits with the secretary of the Ky Women in Agriculture group, Sharon Furches, about that organization’s growth and its mission and role for Kentucky farm women.

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The harvest season for Kentucky’s freshwater shrimp crop is drawing to a close. We have feature with Garrard County ‘shrimper’ David Wilson who has a ‘pond-side’ harvest set for this weekend.

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Ky farm leaders are concerned the drought may impede progress and profits that farmers are making in expanding the state’s beef herd. Ky Farm Bureau Vice President, John Hendricks, explains.

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A feature report with Leslie Scott of Scott Hams in Greenville, Ky.  Scott produced the Ky state fair grand champion country ham. He comments on the industry and about a new 4-H program that’s very popular with young people across the state.

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State officials are putting final touches on some GAP procedures (good ag practices) that will serve as a guideline for Ky produce farmers to assure safe produce at farmers’ markets.

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It may sound like a hum-drum topic for a story, but because of lower yields in this season’s corn crop, attention to detail in grain drying chores will pay big dividends for Ky corn producers.

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We’re currently in the middle of Kentucky ginseng digging season. Because of high demand and ‘droughty’ conditions, this year’s crop may be bringing up to $400 per pound.

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A visit with “Farmers’ Almanac” editor Pete Geiger with our winter forecast for fairly typical snows, but ‘colder than average’ temperatures for the coming winter.

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The Ky Ag Council Task Force on the Future of Agriculture is now in the middle of developing a long range plan for Kentucky.  Task force chair, Dr. Tony Brannon, says the process is moving smoothly, with a chance for public input coming up in the next few weeks.

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A report on successful trials using distillers dried grain in the feeding of goats.  This distillery and ethanol plant by-product looks like an economical alternative for livestock producers.

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We’re right smack in the middle of fresh water prawn harvest season, a great time for consumers to go pondside to buy the freshest shrimp you can get.  Billy Peel with the North Point correction center says their inmates have been producing prawns for three seasons.

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The first round of incentive checks have been mailed to Kentucky dairymen who are signing up for the MILK program. Roger Thomas with the Ky Dairy Development Council comments.

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A growing number of Kentucky farmers are now earning a few extra dollars per acre selling ‘carbon credits.” Ky Corn Growers Association chief Todd Barlow explains how the new system works.

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An update with the Jefferson County Public Schools transportation director on their switch to “bio-diesel” over regular diesel petroleum for their 850-bus fleet.  It’s working out just fine.

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A visit with Warren County dairyman-turned “agri-tourism ace,” Carl Chaney. He’s turned his dairy farm into a prime tourist stop for fresh-made ice cream and for the total farm experience.

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A feature report with a Clark County freshwater shrimp producer on this September’s shrimp harvest and the need that producers have for community support of their operations.

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A report on some town hall meetings of the Ky Rural Energy Consortium for public input on Ky’s Renewable Energy Plan. Comments with Cam Metcalf of the Ky Pollution Prevention Center.

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Enrollment at the UK College of Ag is leveling off and that is ‘by design’ says Dean Scott Smith.  He also discusses some new ag majors and the selection of Jimmy Henning as extension chief.

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Kentucky farmers who use migrant labor to get their crops in need to pay attention to all of the appropriate regulations.  Ky Farm Bureau’s Joe Cain, discusses some of the complexities of doing things the right way.

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A visit with Jed Davis, a Scott County beekeeper discussing the roller coaster Ky weather impact on the ’07 honey crop, and the need to bring younger folks into the beekeeping fraternity.

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The BOW program “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” continues to be a big hit among women in Kentucky. Volunteer coordinator Beth Minch discusses the upcoming September class.

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KCARD the Ky Center for Ag and Rural Development keeps on assisting new agri-business start-ups. Center ceo, Larry Snell, discusses some of their current projects in various regions.

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Slow but steady progress; that’s what officials see in annual growth rates of produce farming in KY.  UK economist Jim Mansfield provides highlights from the just-completed ’07 survey on that topic.

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Will Ky farmers have enough labor to get the crops in this Fall?  Al Pedigo of Allen County, chair of the Farm Bureau labor advisory committee discusses the outlook and the result of failed immigration reform legislation in Congress.

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From four farmers considering opening a “mobile farmers’ market” in the city, to a regional outfit in northern Kentucky considering hydroponic vegetable production; KCARD is ready to help them get started and then stay in business.

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Four regional produce auctions are thriving in Kentucky and providing a growing market for Ky truck farmers.  UK Ag economist Tim Woods says the concept is strong and getting stronger.

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A large supply of fresh grown fruits and vegetables is now at certified roadside markets and community farmers’ markets. Ky Ag Dept’s Mac Stone says the Ky Proud effort is growing each day.

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Last year the Ky Country Ham Breakfast saw the state fair grand champion ham draw a $500,000 bid. Breakfast coordinator, Farm Bureau’s Jeff Harper, says it could be higher this Thursday.

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The Kentucky Beef Network recently received a multi-million dollar funding grant from the state Ag Development Board.  The Network’s John Stevenson discusses their efforts to assist farmers in the ongoing national, animal identification project.

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Freddy Farm Bureau is being recognized today for 50 years of service as the official greeter at the Ky State Fair. Farm Bureau Operations Director, Tom Logue, discusses the origins and some of the history of Freddy, a giant farmer who has delighted three generations of kids who’ve stopped and talked with him at the fair.

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Steve Beshear, candidate for Governor is featured in this program as he gives the Farm Bureau board of directors his views on expanding farm markets on the direction that might take.

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A special report with Governor Ernie Fletcher from his recent appearance at Farm Bureau’s Measure the Candidates forum. In this report Fletcher deals with farmer concerns about expanding farm markets.

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USDA has designated 17 counties where farmers will be allowed to graze pasture acres that were contracted for the Conservation Reserve Program. Ky FSA’s Bob Finch says the action comes to help mitigate freeze and drought damage to hay and pasture.

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A visit with Marlene Haney of Pulaski County who was recently named “school administrator of the year.” Rural or urban she says school systems across the state can use the support of local citizens.

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Ky state parks are doing their share of buying Ky grown farm products and Jim Stinnett with Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park says park chefs would like to use more Ky Proud products.

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Kentucky farmers have sustained a $45 million reduction in hay and pasture values from the April freeze and summer drought conditions.  UK hay marketing specialist Tom Keene discusses.

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Two farmers and two businessmen in Marshall County have joined forces to form Heartland Hydroponic Tomatoes.  Local businessman Dennis Smith says ‘start-up’ has been challenging.

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A Ky chef has won the honor of representing the state in New Orleans for a national cooking contest using Ky-grown aquaculture products in his recipes.  KDA’S Angela Caporelli comments.

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A sale of buck goats from a recent performance test at Western Ky University will offer some great genetic improvement opportunities for the state’s goat producers.  Tess Caudill with the Ky Ag Departments marketing division discusses test performance.

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A follow-up presentation from the Farm Bureau’s “Measure the Candidate” forum with former Lt. Governor Steve Beshear and a few of his views on issues of concern to Kentucky farmers.

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A report on the Ky Farm Bureau’s Measure the Candidates gubernatorial forum.  Today’s report features comments from Governor Ernie Fletcher to the farm bureau state board.

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This week is the deadline for member nominations to local Farm Service Agency committees.  State FSA spokesman Bob Finch explains the commitment, role, and function of local committees.

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Dr. Ron Hustedde in the UK College of Ag discusses Ky’s Entrepreneurial Coaches Institute and the progress it’s making in developing local/regional ‘coaches’ to help farmers and others develop new businesses, products, and markets.

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A new, permanent farmers’ market facility has opened this summer in Hancock County. Pam Bolen with the market says it’s great for farmers trying out new crops, but it’s just as beneficial for the local community to have the market and the new facility.

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There’s a brand new E-85 ethanol fuel retail outlet, just opened in northern Ky.  Melissa Howell with the Ky Clean Fuels Coalition discusses needed tax relief to get more on line in Ky.

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A report on the upcoming ‘farmers’ market week’ in Ky. Janet Eaton with KDA runs the farmers’ market program and discusses what some of them have planned for visitors (Aug 4-11.)