The Bourbon County Farm Bureau held their first annual Farmer Appreciation Day on July 22, 2022.  Approximately 250 people attended the event, with 19 businesses and organizations donating door prizes and/or setting up booths. Attendees were greeted at the check-in table to register for door prizes and provided a handmade card from a child in Bourbon County. This was a collaboration with the local extension office and farmers market pop club and local children summer camps. Booths featured local and statewide organizations that all provided information about services they have that directly benefit farmers.  Many of these organizations based their booth materials around ways in which farmers can take care of themselves, both physically and mentally. Our local YMCA, for example, developed a calendar that showcases little things that farmers can incorporate into their hectic daily schedules in order to boost their overall health. Our community partners also individually offered several giveaways and goodies. In addition to giveaways at the tables, each community organization donated door prizes valued at or above $150. There were more than 20 valuable and useable door prizes provided to attendees. These ranged from YETI coolers filled with farm-use items, fence chargers, chainsaws, pressure washers and more. 

Our board provided an appreciation meal to all in attendance. This included ribeye sandwiches, Bourbon County watermelons sliced fresh for each person, and a free scoop of ice cream from Jericho Farmhouse. 

A short welcome program was given by Bourbon County Farm Bureau President Ben Robin; Kentucky Farm Bureau President Mark Haney; and Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture, Dr. Ryan Quarles. 

The children’s section was quite a hit with our little farmers! A small corn pit and coloring pages kept them entertained while their parents enjoyed food and fellowship with other agriculturalists from the area. This was definitely a great addition to the event. 

We feel confident that this event helped create a culture of appreciation throughout many different aspects of our community. The event received coverage from the local newspaper in addition to LEX 18, WKYT, ABC 36.