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The Garrard County Ag Development Committee was recently approved by the state board for $220,000 in phase I tobacco funds for a host of menu programs involving cattle production. Feldhaus checks on program popularity.

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The first ever Kentuckiana Dairy Exchange will be held July 29/30 in Barren County. This is a two-state endeavor involving UK dairy extension specialists and their counterparts at Purdue University and both Ky and Indiana farmers. UK Extension specialist Jeffrey Bewley is featured.

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The Meade County Riverport is making slow but steady progress, and will mean a new, more profitable market for farmers in the region and a shot in the arm for overall economic development in the area.

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The 65th annual meeting of the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts is coming up in the next few days. Director of the Ky Division of Conservation, Steve Coleman, talks about the purpose and history of the effort and why it's so important to all Kentuckians.

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The first distribution ($250,000) of payments has been made to Kentucky farmers participating in the carbon credit exchange program. Hardin County farmer Bob Wade says the program won't make you rich, but does reward farmers for using various no-till production methods.

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A visit with ag entrepreneur Carl Chaney of Chaney's Dairy Barn in Warren County. Carl's been elected to chairman of the Ky Agri-tourism Council and shares some of his ideas and hopes for expansion in this relatively new area of agri-business.

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A special feature with a cancer control specialist with the University of Louisville's Brown Cancer Center. She discusses some serious trends, and some practical approaches in fighting back against skin cancer.

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The new edition of the "Farm Vehicle Regulations" booklet is now being finalized. The farm group's local affairs director Bryan Alvey says this publication consolidates some of the major rules farmers need to keep in mind.

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A visit with one western Kentucky grain farmer who says there needs to be more consistency in the myriad of transportation laws and regulations that farmers need to adhere to. McLean County farmer Gerry Hayden comments.

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According to one Ky Division of Forestry educator "there's gold in them, there woods," and the state and UK are joining forces to help land owners enhance the value of their woodlands with a few steps in better management.

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An update on developments and trend with Kentucky's sheep and goat producers. Ray Bowman, Executive Director of the Ky Lamb and Goat Development Office discusses progress and trends.

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A feature report with Monroe County farmer Loretta Lyons who has been selected at Kentucky's Farmer of the Year to represent the state in the Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest at the Sunbelt Ag Expo this Fall in Georgia.

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A report on an occupational hazard that farmers and others need to take very seriously: sun exposure and skin cancers. Dr. Chris Frost with Dermatology Center of Lake Cumberland discusses the dangers and precautions available to farmers and others.

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It appears the final two candidates for the site cities for the next series of National FFA conventions are now Louisville and Indianapolis. FFA State Director Kurt Lucas discusses the process and the possibilities for Kentucky to get that convention back.

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Part two of an analysis of the new farm bill. In this report focus is on the impact of the 2,000 page document on consumers and the general public. Ky Farm Bureau's Director of National Affairs, Joe Cain, comments.

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A series of 11 policy development meetings is underway across Kentucky during the month of July. Farm Bureau's Bryan Alvey says there are still plenty of issues on the minds of farmers that need attention at the state and national levels.

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Feldhaus does one more report highlighting June Dairy Month, this one with SUDIA's Kathy Belcher on the need for better nutrition among youth, and the growing opportunity for milk to be a part of that solution.

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High fuel prices and a nervous economy may lead to more backyard grilling this summer and the state's beef industry is gearing up for that possibility. The Ky Beef Council's Whitney Brown talks about smart and economical grilling in the back yard.

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Kentucky's three Junior Livestock Expositions running through this summer are second in prominence only to the state fair when it comes to competition and education opportunities for Kentucky’s youth. The Ky Ag Dept's Steve Mobley is featured.

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The new farm bill is a 2,000 page document that holds same changes for agriculture over the next several years. Feldhaus interviews Farm Bureau National Affairs Director, Joe Cain, discussing major changes and the program's impact on Kentucky farmers and consumers.

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A feature report with David Chappell of Owen County who started competing in tractor pulls when he was 14. He says he's taught the sport to his own youngsters, and he's recently inaugurated the Ohio River Valley Tractor Pulling Association.

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Two farm groups have come together focusing on promoting cheeseburger grilling in our back yards, to help celebrate June Dairy Month.

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A Fayette County 4-H project is teaching youngsters about growing a crop and in growing an agribusiness. The '07 project was a big hit, and '08's seems to be right in line. Coordinators feel the 4-H GrowBiz effort will work in any county.

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A review of the action in the '08 session of the General Assembly from the agricultural perspective. Farm Bureau Public Affairs Director Laura Knoth says given the budget shortfall the farm sector did as well as could be expected.

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Over 30 Kentuckians were killed last year in ATV (all terrain vehicle) accidents, and the forecast is that number may rise in '08. Lt. Phil Crumpton with Ky State Police discusses some of the main causes for ATV fatalities.

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McLean County dairyman, Kelly Thurman is featured discussing some of the challenges facing the dwindling number of producers trying to make a successful go of it. Despite the difficulties, he's still very pleased to still be a dairyman and plans to move forward as we celebrate June Dairy Month.

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A discussion of the special farm safety issues related to the fact that the farm is not only the work place but the "home" of farm families; and that presents some special safety issues for the very young, and the elderly. Farm Bureau safety coordinator Terri Bradshaw talks about some of these dangers.

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A statewide conference on farm labor management is coming to Elizabethtown next week. Adequate labor is critical to Ky farms and this course will help employers on federal rules and on how better to manage available labor.

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Three regional woodland owner short courses get started this week in Ohio County. UK forester Billy Thomas says more woodland owners are learning more about how to profitably manage this valuable resource.

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A report on the health of FFA in Kentucky as that group prepares for its 79th annual meeting this week at Louisville's Galt House. Matt Chaliff, FFA Executive Director talks about changes, trends, and a booming membership.

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Improving demand for a new Kentucky aquaculture crop is the goal behind the 3rd annual Great Kentucky Seafood Cook-off coming up next Monday. Ky Ag Dept aquaculture specialist Angela Caporelli explains how the effort will work to connect chefs with Kentucky producers.

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A special 3-part series of woodland owner workshops has been scheduled for three different areas of the state throughout this summer. UK extension forester Billy Thomas says the program can open some doors for landowners, and possibly some new opportunities for profits from timber sales and land improvements.

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One of the fastest growing local celebrations in Ky is the Fort Harrod Beef Festival coming up this weekend. Local extension agent Dana Anderson has details of activities and discusses the educational side of the event.

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Kentucky citizens can enjoy a free weekend of fishing this coming Saturday and Sunday. Ky Fish and Wildlife Division’s Tim Slone talks about Free Fishing Weekend's purpose and how it works to introduce youngsters to fishing.

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A special report on June Dairy Month being celebrated in Kentucky. Kathy Belcher with the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association discusses dairy's economic impact, numbers of farms, health benefits, and event schedule for Ky.

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Paw paws occur naturally in Kentucky woodlands in the ‘understory’ with other low-growing plants.  Ky State University researcher Kirk Pomper says the fruit of the plant will grow much better in an orchard-like setting, and could be a profitable alternative crop for Ky farmers.

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Given the budget problems and the list of needs going in to this ’08 session of the General Assembly, Farm Bureau legislative director Laura Knoth says Ky agriculture came out in fairly good shape.

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A story with David Van Sanford a UK wheat seed variety researcher who discusses a new variety that they’re having unveiled through the Ky Small Grain Growers Association.  This process will speed improved seed access to Ky growers.

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The first county fair of the ’08 season opens this week.  Ky Ag Dept county fair coordinator, Steward Gritton, discusses the importance of these events to the economic and social fabric of rural Kentucky.

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A feature story with Ronny Drennan of B&B Foods a country ham processor who’s just moved his facility from Trigg to Lyon County. He discusses his support of the Kentucky Proud effort and the capabilities of his new plant.

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A new series of five teacher workshops is being made available this June through Ky Farm Bureau with free teacher registration for six hours of professional development.  The group’s Scott Christmas discusses how successful the project has been in presenting ‘real-life’ examples of the benefits of education to kids, and helping them learn a little about farm life.

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UK wheat seed researchers are working with the Ky Small Grain Growers Association on a new system to make available a promising new wheat variety to farmers this year. Group president Sam Hancock discusses the possibilities.

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A Whitley County farmer is joining with UK for a research project on his farm to see if meat goats will graze on kudzu, an invasive weed. The plant has plenty of protein but will they eat it?  And can they help control it?

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It’s one of Kentucky’s widest ranging environmental resources with hundreds of them in every county: the farm pond. Ky Fish and Wildlife’s Kerry Prather provides tips on keeping the farm pond healthy and productive.

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Some state legislative races will be won or lost in the May 20, Ky Primary: all the more reason says Ky Farm Bureau President Marshall Coyle for farmers and the rural sector to get out and vote in the primary.

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A follow-up report with American Farm Bureau president, Bob Stallman, on the impact of ethanol on food price increases. Experts say ethanol production may add about 2 cents to a box of corn flakes, but it reduces the price of a gallon of gas by about 45 cents.

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While grain farmers are enjoying the current peak in the commodity price cycle, record high prices for energy-based fertilizers and other crop inputs are taking a big bite out of their bottom line. Comments with an industry expert.

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Other than a little extra noise: well, a lot if they’re in your backyard, this Summer’s crop of the 17-year cicadas will do little harm for KY residents. UK entomologist Ric Bessin discusses these noisy (temporary) neighbors.

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A special feature with American Farm Bureau president, Bob Stallman, discussing higher food costs and the complex factors coming together to drive them higher.

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This Thursday is the deadline for signing up Kentucky kids for summer ‘conservation camp.’ Comments from Jay Web of Ky Fish and Wildlife who Discusses the opportunities for kids who get to go.

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Farm fuel prices are climbing just like everyone else's and one UK ag engineer says that makes it all the more important to use the latest techniques in efficiency when running tractors in the fields, and he has a few to offer.

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Many beef cattle producers have some fairly 'weedy' pastures after last year's drought. One livestock leader says cattlemen may want to try a few goats or sheep, to browse those pastures first for weeds and leave the grass for the cattle.

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A feature report on Kentucky's nut production. It isn't a major impact on ag income, but for several it does help with the bottom line. Ky State University's Kirk Pomper discusses new research and potential for more acreage.

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Kentucky Proud products continue to grow in use and sales at state parks. The Ky Ag Dept's Warren Beeler discusses growth opportunities for 2008.

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A preview of the new Bluegrass Lamb and Goat processing facility in Garrard County. The plant is actively seeking producers to sell direct and save middlemen fees. They'll also soon have product for area restaurants which have expressed strong interest in their finished products.

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A feature story on the new horse pasture evaluation program now in its fourth season UK hay marketing specialist Tom Keene feels after last season’s drought the program may be in even higher demand.

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UK family and consumer sciences researchers are doing a survey with Ky public schools to evaluate their nutrition and wellness environments. UK’s Janet Tietyen comments on some areas of success that the state is already seeing.

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An update on the burley tobacco buyout and some of the options farmers are exercising with their annual payments. Dwight Greenwell with Farm Bureau comments on some of the choices and the thinking of farmers making them.

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With ’07 farm fuel input prices going up over 11% last year and projected at over 12% this year UK Ag Engineer says smart operation of tractors in the field can help cut fuel costs. He offers some cost saving tips.

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A report in the growth of the ’08 Certified Roadside Market program coordinated by Farm Bureau’s Sandra Gardner who says numbers are up and interest is high.

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The “Get Grillin’ Media Tour” is about to get underway. Allison Smith with the Ky Beef Council will soon be making the media rounds across Kentucky, promoting use of beef on our backyard grills this summer.

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A major ag related national conference drawing over 600 participants is headed to Kentucky this weekend. Boyle County’s Terry Gilbert, Chair of the American Farm Bureau Women’s Committee helped steer that spotlight.

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This weekend will feature the 2nd annual Cattlemen On the Square Day in Glasgow. Local Cattlemen Association President Frank Roland discusses this celebration and their efforts to keep “city folks” plugged in to progress on the farm.

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All of us need to do a little more each day to improve the environment and on today’s celebration of Earth Day, Steve Coleman, with the state conservation service comments on the environmental success and challenges in agriculture.

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A special report on the high incidence of farm accidents during this busy time of year. Farm bureau safety coordinator Terri Bradshaw discusses the growing number of accidents on farms and in urban areas with larger lawn equipment.

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Janet Eaton with the Ky Ag Dept coordinates the state’s community farmers’ markets program. This season is about to get started with a record number of facilities on line, and a growing assortment of products for consumers.

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A feature story on the Kentucky Quilt Trails being developed in eastern Kentucky. Coordinator, Tony Burnett, says these are artistic and cultural opportunities for rural areas that can also enhance agri-tourism efforts.

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One of Kentucky’s regional farmers’ markets is set to open this coming weekend. Lee Ann Jones has been a vendor there for over 10 years and discusses how this operation has grown into a tremendous opportunity for area growers.

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An update on some of the complexities of developing enough acreage of Ky switchgrass to attract an ethanol plant. UK Hay Marketing Specialist, Tom Keene, says the northern Ky project holds tremendous promise.

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A report on USDA’s selection of several Ky counties in the Red River water shed that will be eligible for CSP (Conservation Security Program) awards. Ky’s chief of NRCS, Mike Hubbs, provides details.

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An update with UK hay marketing specialist Tom Keene on the second season of a project examining the growth of switchgrass in northern Ky for possible use in bio-fuels and to be pelletized as a fuel for energy production plants.

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A story on one of two pilot projects in the nation, with one now underway in Kentucky, focusing on preserving historic farmsteads and unique barns. Amy Potts discusses a couple of ‘barn tours’ scheduled for this season.

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A feature with UK plant pathologist Kenny Seebold on dealing with the fight to contain the spread of blue mold into Ky burley. His advice is to “buy local.”

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If youngsters turn 18 on or before Nov 3, they’re eligible to vote in the ’08 general election. Even at 17, they can vote in the primary if they get registered in time. Ky Farm Bureau political education director Joe Cain is featured.

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The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid is a tiny little insect with a nasty little habit; decimating the hemlock trees in the hollows of southeastern Kentucky. A Ky forest industry expert comments.

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An update to the K.A.R.E. program to help Ky farmers recover from the ’07 drought. State Senator Joey Pendleton made several points at the K.A.R.E. news conference that dairy producers too, are effected.

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It’s spring in Kentucky, and that means it’s the heart of the greenhouse and bedding plant sales season. A visit with Carroll County greenhouse operator Daniel Tandy who discusses the challenges ahead.

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Satellite technology seems farm removed from regular old ‘dirt farming,’ but these days GPS is growing in use and savings for Kentucky farmers who are making much wider use of this effective tool.

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An update on KCARD, the Ky Center for Ag and Rural Development which gives business advice to new and expanding ag entrepreneurs, and sometimes tells them “no.” KCARD CEO, Larry Snell comments.

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House leaders are of one accord with Governor Beshear on his K.A.R.E. (ag recovery effort). Reps Harry Moberly and Don Pasley comment on drought losses and efforts to rebound in ’08.

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The Ky Transportation Cabinet is installing a 10,000 gallon tank in Frankfort that will provide ‘bio-diesel’ as an option for a surprising amount of state equipment that utilizes diesel. The Cabinet’s Chuck Wolfe comments.

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The PDR program (Purchase of Development Rights) is growing in Fayette County where a pilot program to keep ag land in farming seems to be doing the trick. Former Fayette extension agent Maner Ferguson explains.

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The UK College of Ag is hosting a Spring Viticulture Field Day this week at its South farm. Kaan Kurtural, UK viticulturist, comments on the program, and trends in growth in acreage and number of Ky grape growers.

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It’s almost time to buy those bedding plants for your home and Garden; and roadside market greenhouse operations are just about ready. Tammi Warren of Madison County’s Warren Farm Greenhouse comments.

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A story on farm reaction to Governor Beshear’s announcement of the K.A.R.E. program to deal with ’07 drought relief and help boost water infrastructure on farms to handle feature weather stress.

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A feature story with a young Morgan County farmer who has a unique agri-business on his family’s farm.  Chris Nickell earns extra farm income as a “horse breaker.”

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Several roadside farmer markets are already to roll this Spring. Ky Farm Bureau’s coordinator of its ‘certified roadside farmers’ market Program’ says bedding plants are now ‘in,’ and several markets are open.

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A report on a late March beef promotion tour of Ky cattlemen going to Texas.  Clark County’s John Hendricks, VP of Ky Farm Bureau and Beef Cattle Committee Chair discusses the effort.

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An update on continued growth in use of global positioning satellite technology on more equipment and more farms across Ky.  UK ag engineer Scott Shearer provides details.

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A report on efforts to rehabilitate the FFA Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg. Comments from FFA advisors Larry Hendrick of Hardin County and Mike Ross of Mason County.

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Many Kentucky farmers will be trying to re-build their pasture stands this spring.  One UK forage specialist indicates they’d better order their seed early and be prepared for a little sticker shock.

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A report on how the farm bill pie is sliced that may surprised some non-farmers.  While maybe 12% of program spending goes for commodity programs, some 69% is dedicated to feeding programs for the poor.  

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A feature with US Labor Dept representative Leon Sequiera on proposed administrative regulation changes for the H2A guest worker program that may be favorable for Kentucky farmers.

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An update on the Ky Ag Heritage Center that will be far more than a “agriculture museum.”  The Center’s Executive Director Virginia Flanagan discusses the center’s progress and potential.

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From providing fuel for energy generation to serving as a base for additional motor fuel alternatives, UK forage specialist Ray Smith says cellulosic crops may have great potential and demand.

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A feature story with Cumberland County farmer Kim McCoy who lost a hay storage structure in recent storms. He discusses the true value and growing popularity of these facilities which are helping Ky farmers retain nutrient value for their cattle.

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An update on the effort for a Kentucky cotton comeback.  Fulton Co. farmer, Glenn Howell discusses recent up’s and down’s for producers in the Purchase who’ve been trying the cotton crop.

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The successful county fair cost-share program projects will be announced any day now.  Program coordinator Stewart Gritton takes a look at the progress made by 2006 grant recipients.

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Various Ky dairy industry sectors are joining forces to hold a joint “Ky Dairy Partners” conference this week. KDA’s Eunice Schlappi discusses the conference and current dairy challenges.

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A report on Farm Bureau Drive-In Day to Frankfort as the group teams up with FFA leaders to discuss ag issues with legislators. FB Public Affairs Director Laura Knoth highlights the issues.

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Betsy Stone of Stone Hill Honey in Henderson County is helping coordinate a beekeepers school this Saturday.  Stone discusses their 120+ hives, her value-added products, her husband’s work in ‘breeding queen bees for sale’ and the overall potential in bees.

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Bruce Metzger with KCTCS discusses that agencies available computer training for farmers through the ag development process. He says the state has been making steady progress in the area.

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A unique training session in large animal rescue is set for later this spring at Eastern Kentucky University. EKU’s Dr. Larry Collins says more “first responders’ need this training in Ky.

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If you have anything at all to do with purebred livestock in Ky or this region of the country, the place to be this weekend is the Ky Farm Bureau Beef Expo, Feb 29-Mar2. FB Vice President John Hendricks of Clark County explains.

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Some 198 Kentucky farmers are in Washington this week to discuss the farm bill and labor issues with the state’s congressional delegation. Farm Bureau President Marshall Coyle comments.

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The base rates for acreage in carbon credit sequestration programs have increased: more than doubled in recent weeks. Ky Corn Grower Assoc. rep Adam Andrews explains and discusses the possible opportunities open to Ky farmers.

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Budget cuts in higher education will have impacts as well at the UK College of Agriculture which means effects in extension, research and regulatory programs on which the state depends. UK Ag College Dean, Dr. Scott Smith comments..

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A new web site for consumers and agri-business operators is being unveiled this week at the Agri-tourism Summit. This relatively new form of ag enterprise is gaining ground and drawing visitors.