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Eligibility & Purpose of Exhibit:
In order to encourage more teachers to incorporate agriculture themes in their classroom instruction, especially in science, Kentucky Farm Bureau offers students in grades 4-8 an opportunity to participate in the trade show of its annual meeting which attracts approximately 2, 000 Farm Bureau members from across the state. Other groups such as 4-H clubs and FFA chapters are also eligible.

Judging Criteria:
Eleven student representatives from across the state will be selected to exhibit their agriculture science projects at the trade show. There is no limit on the number of applications submitted per county, however, only one representative will be chosen per district to participate at the KFB Annual Meeting Trade Show.

Selection of the science exhibits will be based on the following criteria:

• Creativity - 25 points
• Skill - 15 points
• Agricultural Accuracy - 20 points
• Scientific Thought - 25 points
• Clarity & Thoroughness - 15 points

Categories:
The following types of projects may be selected: experiment, demonstration, research, apparatus or collection. Students are encouraged to enter projects which they may have completed for science fairs earlier in the school year. A separate project does not have to be completed specifically for this event. Projects may be from these categories:

• Biological Sciences (Plant or Animal)
• Environmental Sciences (Natural Resources, Earth Sciences, Energy Production and Management)
• Food Sciences and Nutrition
• Engineering Sciences

Science Exhibit Prizes
Each student exhibitor will receive $125 and a recognition plaque for participation in the trade show. Participation in the trade show, during the KFB State Annual Meeting in December, is a requirement to be awarded the prize.

Ag Science Exhibit Application

The purpose of the Outstanding Farm Bureau Youth Contest is to promote youth involvement in county Farm Bureau activities and to recognize leadership, achievements and awards in their schools and communities.

Contestants must...

• Must be 14 years old at the time of the county contest, but not have reached 19 years old, by January 1 of the following year;
• Be a member of Kentucky Farm Bureau and represent the county in which the parent/guardian has their membership;  
• Submit a contest application, along with a certified copy of school grades for the past two years and a listing of extra-curricular activities, to the women's chair of his/her county Farm Bureau by the deadline;  
• Represent the county at the district contest held between October and November annually;  
• Represent his/her district at the state competition at the Kentucky Farm Bureau State Annual Meeting in Louisville in early December, if selected as one of the 11 district finalists (male and female).

There are two areas of competition:

• Personal interview
• 2-minute prepared speech related to agriculture or Farm Bureau

Contestants will be judged by three people with backgrounds in youth work and/or agriculture.
 

OFBY Prizes

• County/District Awards - Prizes awarded in varying amounts.
• District Awards - Outstanding Farm Bureau Youth Winners - $100*
• State Awards-All state contestants will receive a 26" wheeled duffel bag

*Participation in the state contest is a requirement to be awarded this prize.

Winners:

•  $3,500 scholarship 
•  Watch
•  Luggage
•  Trip to Washington, DC on the Congressional Tour in February

Runners-up

• Portfolio
• $300

Congeniality

• $100

OFBY Application 

2025 OFBY Handbook

Catalytic converters are part of a car’s exhaust system that help to reduce toxic emissions and pollutants. In the U.S., catalytic converters have been required on all gasoline automobiles since 1975. Sometimes, these essential vehicle components become a target for thieves, who steal converters for the precious metals inside of them—rhodium, platinum, and palladium—which can bring in high prices on the black market. Catalytic converter thefts skyrocketed post-pandemic due to a spike in the price of these metals. Now, as those prices decline, catalytic converter thefts are also declining. 

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), catalytic converter thefts increased a whopping 1,215% between 2019 and 2022. Now, thankfully, that trend is on the downward spiral. NICB claims data shows that the average number of catalytic converters stolen each month is down significantly from its peak in 2022.

Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) Insurance data reflects this trend. Catalytic converter thefts reported to KFB Insurance more than quadrupled from 2019 to 2020. Thefts continued to rise through 2023, but the rate of those thefts slowed significantly. In 2022, approximately 171 catalytic converter thefts were reported by KFB Insurance members. That number decreased by 69% in 2023, with only 52 thefts reported. In 2024, just 13 claims catalytic converter thefts were reported to KFB Insurance. 

While a thief may get a couple hundred dollars for your car’s catalytic converter, it could cost you thousands to repair the damage. Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of catalytic converter theft:      

• If you are in a public space, park near high traffic areas or building entrances.
• Park personal vehicles in a garage. If you do not have access to a garage, consider installing motion sensor security lights. While these lights do not guarantee complete security, they may make some thieves think twice.
• Park fleet vehicles in an enclosed and secured area that is well lit, locked, and alarmed.
• If your car has an alarm, always remember to set it!
• Keep in mind that the higher your vehicle sits off the ground, the easier it is for a thief to access your catalytic converter.    
• Install a catalytic converter anti-theft device, such as a “cat strap” or “cat clamp,” which are available from various manufacturers, You can also have your catalytic converter welded to your car or engrave your vehicle’s VIN number directly onto the device.

According to Geoff Brown, a physical damage appraiser for KFB Insurance, there's one telltale sign that your catalytic converter has been stolen: “Theft is typically unnoticed until the vehicle is started. Once started, the exhaust is extremely loud as catalytic converters are located very close to the engine.”

Should you become a victim of catalytic converter theft, call local law enforcement and your insurer as soon as possible. Catalytic converter theft is covered under your KFB Insurance auto policy (minus your deductible) if you have “other than collision” coverage.

>> We want you to be safe out there on the road… but accidents still happen.
At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’ve got agents in all 120 counties. Click to find one near you.

Check out the video below and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Tools and Resources.

Candid Conversation presents a question-and-answer discussion about the topical issues related to Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) priorities, the agricultural industry, and rural communities. In this edition, Tori Embry, Executive Director of the Kentucky Dairy Development Council (KDDC) discusses the state’s dairy industry and why it is still so important.

KFB: For our readers who may not know you, would you mind sharing a little about your background, on and off the farm, your involvement with KDDC, and when you became the executive director?

TE: I grew up on a small dairy farm in central Kentucky and that love for the cows stuck with me even after the cows were sold. While I worked on my bachelor’s degree, I milked at Eastern Kentucky University’s farm when they had the old herringbone parlor, and then concentrated on dairy health and wellbeing while getting my master’s at the University of Tennessee. I graduated and moved toward western Kentucky to my husband’s family farm, where we raise Charolais cattle and help out a bit on his family’s dairy farm.

I’ve been with KDDC for more than 2 years, starting out as a regional consultant and working with dairy farmers after a few years of working with chicken farmers and in regulatory. I switched roles to my current position in January. It’s a long way from milking cows, but I do love the chance to help others in Kentucky dairy keep doing what they love.

KFB: Being a dairy farmer is a very demanding occupation.  What is the motivation that keeps people in this sector of the ag industry?

TE: Dairy farming is demanding, but people keep doing it for the same reason that I think motivates any farmer- it’s a way of life. Most of our dairy farms in Kentucky are multi-generational, although we do have some first-generation farms started by very driven individuals. Either way, they enjoy the experiences it gives them and their families, and this keeps them dairying. These farmers are also entrepreneurs, and I think embracing that ownership of these large businesses also motivates them for success.

KFB: How is KDDC encouraging a new generation of dairy farmer to come into or stay in the business of dairy?

TE: KDDC is working to encourage a new generation of dairy farmers, in part, by creating a community that supports this industry and creates connections between farmers. As dairy communities thin out, facilitating these connections through meetings, online communications, and farm visits is so important to support their growth, provide info on how to navigate opportunities and challenges in the industry, and bring awareness that they are part of something larger than their own operation.

KFB: How big of a factor has technology played in the dairy business?

TE: Modern technology has been present in our dairy industry for at least a decade now, and farmers are pretty quick to recognize how it can help solve challenges on their farm. For example, if experienced labor is an issue, they’ll turn to a heat monitoring system to support breeding protocols and improve efficiency of the operation. We have really supportive industry people and consultants that work to educate producers about how tech can support their farm and help them utilize it to achieve their goals.

KFB: We see many dairies expanding their businesses to include value-added products. How important has this been to the industry, and do you expect it to continue to grow?

TE: Adding a value-added business to dairy has helped producers keep a small herd size when this may be a challenge in an area that demands the efficiencies of scaling up. I have a lot of respect for these farmers who are innovative and driven enough to take on the challenge of processing milk and starting a brand-new business from scratch that is so different from farming. I think a value-added operation may be a good fit for some more dairies throughout the state, and a lot of rural communities could also really benefit from these types of local businesses.

KFB: What are some of the top challenges facing dairy farm families today?

TE: The big challenge for dairy farmers is figuring out a path for the future of their operation when the industry demands growth and consolidation, land prices keep several farms essentially land-locked, replacements are sky-high if you can find them, and sometimes there is just no interest or ability to scale up, which brings a host of other challenges. Despite this, our industry is actually in a pretty positive position right now. We have a great market asking for more milk, there are opportunities for significant diversified income if you do have extra replacements or beef on dairy calves to sell, and input costs are generally favorable. It’s a great time to tackle these challenges and plan for the future.

KFB: While we have seen the number of dairy farms decline over the years, talk about how relevant this sector still is to Kentucky’s ag industry.

TE: We have about 325 dairies in Kentucky right now, so we’ve lost 20-30 in the last year or two. We are not seeing significant changes in cow numbers, though, so we’re just following the national trend of consolidation and not a real decline in the industry. The average herd size in Kentucky is around 140 cows, although there are significant differences in herd size- from maybe 20 milk cows up to more than 2,500. A farm milking less than 100 cows can produce $1 million of milk a year, and most of those dollars are going to leave the farm quickly to contribute to the local community where they will turn over three to seven times. That means even a small dairy operation provides a significant contribution to rural communities where those operations may be the largest businesses in town, providing jobs, support to other agribusinesses, and the ability to keep the rural communities thriving.

Spencer County’s dairy judging team continues a long-standing tradition

While the dairy industry is celebrating National Dairy Month in June, students at Spencer County High School (SCHS) have made a long-term commitment to the sector by way of their phenomenal dairy judging team, which has become synonymous with the label of state and national champions.

Last October, the team participated in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Management Career Development Event, an event that helps students develop skills in dairy cattle selection and herd management.

As usual, the team came away with a first-place victory, something that has become commonplace at SCHS.

Bland Baird, a retired agriculture teacher at the school, has been coaching this team for 20 years and has seen them win at both the state and national levels for more years than not.

“We have won the national contest 11 times, but we have won at the state level probably the last 20 years, except for one year," he said. "By winning the state competition, you are qualified to participate in the nationals."

But there is much more to the story for Spencer County than just walking away with an armful of trophies. By winning at that national level, the team is eligible to participate in the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh, Scotland, of which they have won twice.

“This year will be the tenth year that we have participated in Scotland," he said. "We're leaving on June 18, the competition is two days later, and after that we are going to be traveling on a tour for two weeks.”

The team began practice last January, and they usually meet four days a week. They have been in several contests in numerous locations, honing their skills and gaining valuable experience, noted Baird, who will be making his final trip as the dairy team coach after beginning his ag teaching tenure in 1978.

This team has many things in common, most notably—and perhaps a bit unusual—is the fact that none of them grew up on a dairy. Their incredible amount of knowledge comes directly from Baird’s guidance and his efforts to get them in multiple competitions and as familiar with dairy judging as possible. And from his record of successes, he has been on the right track for the last couple of decades.

What the team has to say

Scarlett Williams, outgoing Secretary, SCHS FFA:

“When I was in middle school, I had an ag teacher, Rachel Cyber, who was on one of Mr. Baird's former teams. She told me about the team while I was in middle school, and then when I got to high school, I knew I wanted to be a part of it just because of the influence she had on my life.”

"I'll definitely take with me the feeling of family I developed with this team, along with their friendships and the experiences that I've had that will help in growing my future."

Evan Waller, outgoing Sentinel, SCHS FFA:

"Growing up in Spencer County, we're synonymous with dairy judging and FFA. I’ve gone to school in this county all my life and had always heard of the dairy judging team. I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I’ve had to cram in a lot of information over the past several months, starting out knowing absolutely nothing about a dairy cow to knowing enough to be on the national stage. I don't think we could have done it without the leadership of people like our coach, who is just a different animal when it comes to coaching.”

Hunter King, outgoing President, SCHS FFA:

“I grew up on a cattle farm, but judging dairy cows is completely different. But I knew how successful the dairy judging teams have been, and if I wanted to be a part of a nationally known team, it would be on this team.”

"Having been involved in competitions of other kinds, I knew it took hard work, but the work we have put in… I was even getting past my limits. We knew Mr. Baird didn’t have to coach us this year since he had already retired. He did this for us, and it has given us the extra drive to succeed. We want him to go out with a bang!"

Seth Monroe: current President, SCHS FFA:

“My mom and grandparents had a big dairy in Jefferson County, but I did not grow up around dairy cows. However, my mother had won a national 4-H dairy competition, so I did have a little knowledge. She said it was in my blood!”

"Over this past year, this team has become a true family, and we will remember this for the rest of our lives. But we also have learned a lot when it comes to leadership, how to work well together."

Greyson Humes, outgoing Treasurer, SCHS FFA:

"My dad is a former agriculture teacher, and he encouraged me to be involved in agriculture education and the dairy team, as well. I've been involved in a way for the past two years as an alternate for FFA and got to go with the All-American Team to a competition in Pennsylvania. I knew that in being on our diary judging team, there was a good chance of winning a national competition."    

“We've really become a good team and a cohesive group together. We’re like a family. It has felt amazing to be able to accomplish something that not a lot of people in our chapters say that they've accomplished before. And we are all excited to be going to Scotland.”

Editor’s note: I have known Bland Baird for many years, and he has dedicated a huge part of his life to this team for the past two decades. He will be sorely missed, but somehow, I think his influence will last well into the future for the SCHS Dairy Judging Team. Well done, sir. Good luck in Scotland.

The Goode family expanded their dairy farm in a value-added way.

When people speak about food from the farm, they may mention vegetables, fruits, beef, chicken, or ice cream. Wait, what? Ice Cream?

If you live near southern Casey County, yes, ice cream may be at the top of that list, thanks to the Goode family dairy business and their new farm-to-consumer venture, Goode’s Riverside Creamery. 

Greg and Joy Goode have been involved in the dairy business most of their lives. Joy grew up on a family dairy in LaRue County, while Greg's family began their dairy operation in 1995 to diversify their hog and tobacco farm.

“My dad said if my two brothers and I were going to stay on the farm, we had to have a weekly or a constant paycheck, so with some encouragement from a couple of our neighbors, we started dairy in '95," Greg said. "The milk check would pay the monthly bills while the tobacco made the farm payment at the end of the year, and it’s been going since then,” Greg said.

Greg’s dad and brothers are still running that dairy operation, while he and Joy began their own dairy operation in 2006.

“We just all enjoy it, and I guess a farmer, especially a dairy farmer, has to be about as optimistic as anybody,” Greg said. “No matter how bad it is, they’ll look and say, ‘Well, tomorrow's going to be better,’ or ‘Next year, it's going to be better.’”

In order to keep that optimistic outlook alive, the Goodes have a unique way of seeing the very cows that support them.

“I guess you get a sense of purpose knowing you had to be there on the farm every day, and the better you took care of the cows, the better they took care of you,” Greg said. “You just form a bond with your cows, just like you do with people in any other job. Our cows are kind of like our co-workers. We want to take care of them, and they take care of us.”

There is also a sense of community when it comes to farm families, especially those in the dairy business.

“Just being around dairy folks, seems like they all have the same interests and all work together,” Greg said. “The whole dairy industry is kind of a close-knit group.”

That kind of camaraderie would be a factor in the development of the creamery. In much the same way as Greg’s dad saw diversifying their family farm with a dairy operation as a way to keep his children involved, Greg and Joy knew they would have to grow their operation to do the same for their three daughters.

But milking more cows wasn't something the Goodes wanted to do, and that’s when the idea of the creamery began to develop. Greg said he knew of other dairy farmers who had gone the creamery route as a way to grow the farm without expanding to a very large herd.   

“We know a lot of families who want to milk 50, 60 cows and stay small, and the idea of a creamery was a way for them to diversify and still focus on their cows,” Greg said.  “Most of them are kind of like us, they didn't build the creamery to make a living, they built the creamery to be able to keep their cows.”

Having bought land on the busy U.S. 127 corridor just south of Liberty, Kentucky, the first issue of a creamery location was solved. Next came the assistance of the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation, which has helped countless farm families diversify their farming operations.

“This project demonstrates an opportunity to establish a value-added processing on the dairy farm as a part of a direct-to-consumer marketing business thanks to grant funds from the ag development funds and a low market Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation participation loan with the Bank of Buffalo,” Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy Executive Director Brandon Reed said.

With the hiring of Haley Fisher to oversee the day-to-day operations of this new business venture, the stage was set for a successful creamery.

"I grew up on a dairy farm in Glasgow, Kentucky, and knew the Goode family from the dairy shows we participate in," she said. "Having been involved in the dairy industry my entire life, this has been a good fit for me.”

Fisher recognizes that for many in the dairy industry, getting bigger or getting out seem to be the two options dairy families are facing. But for the Goodes, deciding to use their milk in a way that provides value-added products to consumers was the route to go.

“The small farmer is kind of struggling to keep up with what some people want to call commercialized dairy farming, but still family-owned,” she said. “The Goode family built a facility here that allows us to have a retail space along with our processing floor to utilize the milk from the farm. We do low-temperature vat pasteurized milk, non-homogenized ice cream, and we were hoping to put butter on our menu by the fall.”

THE SCOOP

Fisher said the plans for the creamery started about five years ago and came to fruition this January. They opened the doors in January of this year. If the first few months are any indication of how successful the business will be, then the Goodes have taken the right route for their dairy operation.

“We could not be more pleased, and I think one of the biggest reasons is the community support all the way around,” she said. “We have regulars already that have come in, at least once, twice, sometimes four days a week, and they are just as excited as we are to have something like this here in the county.”

For all those involved in the creamery, it has been a learning lesson along the way so far.

“When I started here back in October of 2024, I felt like I hit the ground running with them, and we've kind of all learned together how to do everything we're wanting to do,” Fisher said. “I do think it is a dream come true, and we hope that we can continue to grow in that dream—not only to benefit the county and the community, but even to grow our own operation at the dairy.”

One of the family goals is to use all the milk that comes from their operation for the products sold in the store.

“We still have some of our milk picked up right now, and we are grateful to those people working with us in this endeavor as well,” Fisher said. “But our goal is to eventually be at 100 percent utilization, and we see that happening sooner than we anticipated.”

The Goode’s oldest daughter, Emily, is serving as the assistant manager at the creamery while still helping with the activities on the farm. The dairy business is something that has been a part of her entire life.

“I've grown up on our family's dairy. They actually started milking eight days before I was born,” she said. “It's been different than the childhood of all my other friends, but I wouldn't change it for anything. I've learned so many life lessons and just gained so many different values from being on the farm.”

Goode's Riverside Creamery is one of the newest Kentucky Farm Bureau Certified Farm Markets (KFB CFM).

The program's coordinator, Fran McCall, said the Goodes are an example of what makes the CFM program so successful.

"We are so fortunate to have Goode Riverside Creamery in the CFM family, and it has been incredibly exciting to see how successful they have been so far," she said. "Like so many of our markets that have become extensions of family farms across the state, the Goodes have expanded their dairy in ways that not only benefit the family farm but also the community and all those consumers who make the creamery a regular stop."

Goode’s Riverside Creamery is located at 6160 S US 127, in Liberty. Their hours vary seasonally, but open season is here and the hours now will be Monday through Thursday, 10-8; Friday and Saturday, 10-9; and Sunday, 1-5. The creamery bottles its own whole milk, low fat milk, and Chocolate milk; along with making up to 16 flavors of homemade ice cream from the milk their cows produce daily. They offer ice cream hand scooped at the counter and also made to order deli sandwiches behind the food counter. The creamery also features lunch meat and cheese by the pound. In addition to their counter sales, there is a retail space full of ice cream in take home sizes, locally sourced beef, chicken, lamb and pork, along with a variety of baked goods, snacks and Kentucky Proud products to complement their own products.

As we celebrate Dairy Month in June, with having recognized our beef cattle producers last month, it is no secret how strong Kentucky’s livestock sector is and how involved Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) is in various projects and programs related to the industry.

Historically, Kentucky farm families have always been involved at some level with livestock, especially cattle.  I remember growing up on the farm, we, along with what seemed to be every other farm family, had at least a few cows grazing in the fields.

While that is still true for many of our farms, we have seen the state’s cattle industry become one of the strongest in the country over the past two decades. We proudly lay claim to being the largest beef cattle-producing state east of the Mississippi, top 10 in the nation.

We’ve got over 31,000 cattle farms in Kentucky, with an estimated 1,850,000 total cattle and calves, 869,000 beef cows, and 41,000 dairy cows.

And while any of us in the cattle industry knows our herd numbers need to grow, I do think that we are experiencing the strongest cattle market I’ve ever seen.

From an organizational standpoint, KFB had a seat representing not only Kentucky, but the Southeast Region at the Common Ground Summit hosted by the Livestock Marketing Association. This brought producers to the table in these times of high prices to collaborate on opportunities to make cattle production profitable and sustainable both now and if prices dropped in the future. 

As a way to keep our cattle producers well-informed, KFB’s “Kentucky Cattle Market Report” comes out weekly to keep producers up to date on statewide trends in the Kentucky cash market for both regular and value-added calves.

There are always going to be times when life on the farm is difficult. With such diverse operations, we know when one sector is down, we have others that prop up our operations. Right now, that is our cattle sector.

Cattle prices are at historic high numbers with no major downside in sight, given trade and import ramifications with our southern border and demand far exceeding domestic supply. That certainly bodes well for our bottom lines.

Another big advantage we have in Kentucky is the strong network of livestock organizations that work tirelessly to promote and protect their individual sectors while working together for the betterment of Kentucky agriculture as a whole.

The ag industry is one of a cyclical nature, and while we would like to see all ag sectors remain well above the profitability line, let's take advantage of the market opportunities when they present themselves and patiently make our way through other market and weather challenges.

Whatever cards we are dealt on the farm, one thing is for certain: we can always celebrate our livestock industry every month.

We've all heard the saying "laughter is the best medicine," which can be directly related to the verse in Proverbs 17:22, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." I prefer not to have dried up bones, so I would rather have a joyful heart.

And in doing a little research about laughter, I found a ton of information about why a good laugh does a body good, from simply improving your mood to being a health benefit.

Since I am not a doctor, I can’t vouch for the better health thing, but I can tell you this, a good belly laugh makes me feel a lot better.

I say all of this to share a couple of stories with you. Several years ago, I had a boss who was big into laughter therapy, and yes, there is such a thing. She even held classes in which she would lead people through a laughter therapy session.

One afternoon she gathered me and other co-workers together and asked if we would like to participate in a short laughter session. Being a somewhat adventurous group, we all agreed and formed a circle in her office and began. At first there were just small, almost fake-sounding laughs coming from the group as we all found this a little unusual.

But, as we continued laughing louder and louder, we found ourselves consumed in this therapeutic moment. Maybe there was something to this after all.

While I never participated in another such session, I have always remembered this experience and the renewed sense of how much better I felt after letting out those big laughs.

Recently, my wife and I were running an errand and stopped at a local restaurant for dinner. Upon entering we realized there was some sort of party going on. It turns out it was a local softball team having a season-end meal together, something I assumed they did every year.

At first, all I noticed was how loud they were. But then I began to take note of all the laughter that was coming from their tables. It filled the whole restaurant, but it was far from annoying but rather refreshing.

These young people were indeed having such a good time, and likely unknown to them, they were creating a memory that would be with them their entire lives.

At some point one of their coaches passed our table and apologized for the noise. We quickly told her that an apology was not necessary. We found ourselves enjoying listening to how happy they sounded.

Their laughter was infectious and made our dining experience much more pleasant. While we all can enjoy more laughter in our lives, I think it is especially important for our younger folks to feel a sense of joyfulness in a world that often comes with it challenges.

I hope we all can experience a good belly laugh more often than perhaps we do, and I look forward to laughing with you somewhere down the backroads.  

From Pikeville to Paducah, the Bluegrass State’s beautiful country roads are the perfect place for motorcycle enthusiasts. If you’re a rider, you know that Kentucky law mandates motorcyclists to carry insurance. Are you curious what Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) Insurance motorcycle insurance will cover, or what your financial responsibilities are should you get into a crash or damage your motorcycle? If so, the answers to these frequently asked questions might be helpful in expanding your motorcycle insurance claims knowledge.
 

Q. If injured in an accident, will my motorcycle policy pay for my medical expenses?
A. Typically, reasonable and necessary medical treatment is covered under the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. If you have chosen to purchase optional PIP coverage, your policy may provide benefits for the driver or passenger on your motorcycle, as well as any pedestrians struck by your vehicle.   

Q. The accident wasn’t my fault. Do I still have to pay a deductible?
A. Regardless of fault, you'll pay a deductible for certain coverages. However, during the claim investigation, if the facts indicate there's a chance to recover the damages from the person responsible for the accident, KFB Insurance will attempt to recover them, including your deductible. If we aren't successful, you have the option of trying to recover the costs on your own. 

A deductible is the dollar amount of the claim you are responsible to pay. For example, if you have a $500 deductible, you will be responsible for the first $500 of certain first party claims that you file and then KFB Insurance will pay the remainder. You choose the deductible on your policy when you purchase insurance. A higher deductible lowers the price of your premium.

Q. What if my motorcycle is totaled?
A.  A motorcycle is considered a total loss if the estimated cost to repair exceeds 75% of its actual cash value (ACV). The decision whether to repair or declare a total loss is based on the type and extent of damage, age of the motorcycle, state law, and other factors. In order to make the determination, KFB Insurance will have to inspect the motorcycle. If your motorcycle is determined to be a total loss, you will be paid the actual cash value of the motorcycle as established by conducting a local market survey, less any applicable deductible.    

Q. What if I disagree with the total loss value?
A. KFB Insurance will be glad to review any documentation you have to support the reason for disagreement. We will review the documentation for accuracy and applicability to the total loss vehicle. If the documentation is credible and it affects our assessment of the ACV, we will adjust our offer accordingly. If we remain in disagreement, our policy contract describes how an appraisal can be arranged to resolve the differences.

Q. What happens to a motorcycle after a total loss?
A. Typically, totaled motorcycles are sold at salvage auctions or to a licensed salvage dealer. KFB Insurance complies with the appropriate laws and regulations that require obtaining salvage titles or branding/marking the title. We obtain salvage at the conclusion of a total loss settlement and sell it through licensed salvage vendors. We do not directly sell vehicles determined to be a total loss to private individuals.

Q. Can I keep my motorcycle after a total loss?
A. In some instances, you may be able to purchase your motorcycle from KFB Insurance after a total loss. Your adjuster can provide information if you are interested. 

Q.  Will I still have to pay my loan or lease after a total loss?
A. After your motorcycle is declared a total loss, you may still owe money on your loan or lease if the actual cash value is less than what you owe. Purchasing loan/lease payoff coverage prior to an accident can provide financial security for you in case your motorcycle is declared a total loss.

Loan/lease payoff coverage, commonly called "gap" coverage, may pay the difference between the actual cash value of your vehicle and what you still owe on your loan or lease (less any deductible). Your claim adjuster can provide more details on this.  

Q. If property is stolen from my insured motorcycle, is the loss covered by my motorcycle policy?
A. There are restrictions to coverage for certain types of equipment under the motorcycle policy. Other personal property items are typically covered under your homeowners policy. Please contact your KFB Insurance Claim Representative for additional information. 

Q. What if the accident happened outside of Kentucky? Who will handle my claim?
A. If your accident happened outside of Kentucky, your claim will be assigned to an adjuster who is trained to help you. KFB Insurance will determine if your motorcycle needs to be inspected by an adjuster. We work with professional adjusters located across the country who are available to help when needed.
 

>> Have you heard the rumblings? KFB insures motorcycles! For more information, click here.

^{*The above provides general claim information, but please keep in mind that every claim is different and must be considered in the context of the particular policy and any endorsements that you may have in place.  Each policy has specific terms and conditions that detail your coverages. The following information is not intended to modify any of the terms or conditions in your individual policy.}

At Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance, we’re built to expect the unexpected. We have adjusters throughout Kentucky, so, when you file a claim, you can expect it to be handled quickly and efficiently by a local claims office. Although each insurance claim is unique, the following answers to a few of these frequently asked insurance claim questions can be helpful in the event of property damage or loss.

1. What should I do immediately following property damage/loss? 

• Look for potential safety risks.
• Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
• If the loss was caused by theft, notify the police.
• Make a written list of what was damaged, destroyed or stolen (write down any info you can remember about the property).
• If a credit card has been stolen, notify the issuing financial institution immediately.
• Keep an accurate record of repair expenditures.
• Separate items that can be cleaned or repaired.
• Check with your claims representative before discarding any items you plan to claim as damaged.
• Review your policy for specific coverage information.

2. What is a deductible?
A deductible is the dollar amount of the claim you are responsible to pay. If you have a $500 deductible, generally you will be responsible for the first $500 of any claim for your property that you file and then Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance will pay the remainder. You choose the deductible on your policy when you purchase insurance. A higher deductible lowers the price of your premium.

3. Should I file a claim if my damage is less than my deductible?
Filing a claim may help you if other related damages are discovered at a later date. There is no requirement for you to submit a claim if the known damages are less than your deductible.

4. My home is uninhabitable. Will you cover a hotel stay?
If your policy has additional living expenses coverage and a direct physical loss makes your home uninhabitable, then we will pay for the reasonable increase in living expenses necessary to maintain your normal standard of living. Check your policy for coverage and limits. Keep receipts for additional living expenses you pay out of pocket. A claim representative or your local Farm Bureau agent can answer questions about this coverage.

5. Should I start making repairs before you inspect the damage?
We know you're eager to start putting your business back together, but it’s best to wait until our claims professional has conducted our first on-site inspection. The only thing you should do is protect your property from further damage – cover broken windows and gaps in the roof or exterior walls. By waiting, we’ll be able to identify all of the damages that may be covered by your policy, ensuring you receive everything you’re entitled to. 

6. Can I choose the contractor who repairs my property?
Yes. We advise you seek out contractors with a proven reputation and track record in your area. To help ensure you choose a reliable contractor, we suggest the following steps:

• Get recommendations from friends, relatives, and business associates.
• Get references from contractors you interview and check those references.
• Contact your local Better Business Bureau office or website for information on contractors you’re considering.
• Don’t sign a contract until you’ve reviewed it carefully and have agreed to payment terms.
• Make sure the contractor has been doing business in your area for some time. Large storms often lure out-of-state contractors to Kentucky who may be “here today, gone tomorrow."

7. Do I need to file a police report for property damage or loss due to theft?
Yes. Your policy requires you to file a report with the appropriate authorities.

8. What do I need to show proof of ownership for stolen property?
All of the following can help in showing proof of ownership for stolen property: receipts, owner’s manuals, product packaging, appraisals, photos, and videos. In addition, we recommend recording each room of your home with a video camera and keeping the information in a fireproof safe or safe deposit box.

9. How do I check the status of a claim?
To check the status of your claim, please call your adjuster or the Regional Claim Office nearest you.

It’s important to remember that each individual insurance claim is unique. You may find these tips helpful in the event of a loss, but it’s always best to talk with your Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance agent concerning your unique situation, including policy coverages and availability.

At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your home sweet home as you are. We help protect what’s important to you – from farms and fishing boats to minivans and mobile homes. To see a full list of products we insure, click here.

Did you know that property crime happens more often in the summer and fall months than in the winter and spring? According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, both burglary (the unlawful entry into a home with the intent to commit a crime) and household larceny (the unlawful removal of property) occur more often in the summer. Many of these cases tend to take place during the day when nobody is home, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when occupants are likely to be at work. Of the 10,785 burglary offenses reported in Kentucky by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2022 (the most recent data available), 6,775 were residential cases, and of those, 3,849 (57%) happened during the daytime.

Thieves want to be in and out of a house as quickly as possible. In fact, most burglaries occur in under 10 minutes, so any precautions that can be taken to slow them down is worth it. Don’t fall victim to theft if you can help it. Protect yourself, your family, and your home with these tips below. 

• Invest in a home security system and video surveillance cameras. Make sure to place cameras where they are visible but not able to be damaged by unwanted visitors.
• Inspect your home by walking around and taking note of anything that could be a weak spot, such as tall shrubbery that thieves could use to hide or conceal themselves, no visible security features, or valuables that can be easily seen through windows. A home security checklist, such as this one from the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), is a great resource to use to be extra sure that your home is as safe as possible.
• Verify that all locks have been changed since you moved in, and don’t keep the spare key under the doormat or in a flowerpot. Entrusting it with a neighbor or family member or keeping it in a hidden lockbox are much better alternatives.
• Make sure the driveway and perimeter of the house are well-lit. It may even be helpful to invest in motion sensor lighting.
• Prepare for the worst by backing up your computer files and making copies of important documents.
• Keep valuables, important documents, and money in a safe that is either bolted to the floor or built into a wall, and in a hidden location.
• Ask a trusted person to watch your house if you plan to go out of town. Collecting mail and packages and taking care of your lawn gives the appearance that someone is home.
• Leaving on lights, TVs, or radios can deter thieves from breaking in. To avoid an increase in your electric bill, consider using timer technology to turn on and off certain lights or a radio.
• A car in the driveway tells burglars that somebody is home, and they may avoid a house because of this.
• Make certain all windows and doors are locked anytime you leave the house and after any strangers, such as contractors, have been in your home.

In the unfortunate case that you do someday have to file a claim for theft, having a home inventory will save a lot of stress. After all, the last thing anyone needs in this situation is to have to sit and rack their brain thinking of every specific item that could be missing. A smart way to do this is by using Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance’s Home Inventory Form and walking from room to room to record every single electronic, piece of furniture, and any other valuables you own. Make sure to be as specific as possible, logging price, size, color, serial number, purchase year, etc., as well as including receipts and pictures. Lastly, don’t forget to back up the document and store it in multiple spots.

Don’t forget to take advantage of Kentucky Farm Bureau’s member benefits by saving on a home security system! For more information, click here.

Safety should be your number one priority when operating a lawn mower or any other lawncare equipment. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), approximately 75,000 people are seriously injured each year when mowing their lawn. Let’s make sure you aren’t one of them…

1. Know your mower.
   The first time you use a new lawn mower, read the owner’s manual. The more you know about your mower, the less likely you are to get in an accident.
    
2. Wear proper clothing.
   Flipflops and a T-shirt are probably not the best lawn mowing attire. Wearing the right clothing can protect your body from harm. Non-slick shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeve shirt are recommended to protect yourself from objects that might be thrown from the mower.
    
3. Monitor the area.
   Before you begin mowing, look around your lawn to make sure it is clear of any rocks, tree limbs, and other debris, which can get caught in the blades and spit out as hazardous projectiles. 
    
4. Never remove anything from the mower while it is running.
   Make sure the mower is turned off and the blades have stopped moving before attempting to remove anything from underneath it. Whenever possible, use a stick or tool instead of your fingers to remove any objects that are caught in the mower.
    
5. Do not remove safety devices or switch guards.
   Newer mowers are built with your safety in mind. Don’t remove any of the safety features that the manufacturer has put on the mower. Doing so can increase your chances of getting injured and could cause your mower to malfunction.
    
6. Never leave your mower unattended.
   An unattended lawn mower can be captivating to a child. If you must leave your mower in the yard, even if just for a moment, make sure it is completely turned off. If the mower has an electric start, make sure the key is not in the ignition. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 9,000 children in the U.S. are hospitalized each for year for mower-related injuries.
    

When it’s time to give your lawn a haircut, you can keep yourself and others out of harm’s way by keeping these tips from the III in mind. Happy mowing!  

When you hear the word “drone,” you may envision a sci-fi-like scene in which a flying robot drops a box of takeout directly on your doorstep or uses x-ray vision to spy on your neighbors. The truth is, drones are all around us–and chances are, they aren’t nearly as frightening as you think they are.   

So what exactly is a drone, anyway? According to the Federal Aviation Administration, a drone (technically referred to as an unmanned aircraft system, or UAS), is “an aircraft without a human pilot onboard … controlled from an operator on the ground.”

Drones come in all shapes and sizes and range anywhere from a $50 toy to a multi-million dollar military tool. While there are hundreds of uses for drones, here are some of the main ones:

1. For fun | Personal hobby drones have exploded in popularity in recent years. Think of them as the futuristic big brother of the good ol’ fashioned remote-controlled car. These small and relatively inexpensive aircrafts are a blast to zip around your living room or over your backyard.
    
2.  Film/video | Drones are taking film and TV viewers to new heights–literally. They’re increasingly showing up on sets as a cost-effective way to grab stunning aerial shots. According to the LA Times, a camera drone and crew costs as little as $5,000 a day, compared with at least $25,000 a day for a helicopter. Many action films use drones to capture high-intensity scenes from a unique perspective. For example, drones were used in dozens of scenes for the action movie “The Expendables 3.”
    
3. Insurance claims | Insurance companies are increasingly utilizing drones as a safer and more efficient way to inspect property damage. Claim adjusters are accustomed to braving tall ladders and risky roof heights in order to inspect and capture a few snapshots of damage. Drones are taking the sweat-inducing labor out of property inspections, allowing an adjuster to gather hundreds of high-definition images without ever leaving the ground.
   
   Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance claim adjusters throughout the state use this technology to inspect property damage.
    
   
    
4. Military | Drones arguably got their start in the military. They were performing top secret missions decades before they landed on the shelves of your local toy store. Today, military drones can fly up to heights of 65,000 feet for more than 24 hours at a time. They not only provide unparalleled warfighting capability abroad, but they’re also helpful with domestic needs like homeland security, border patrol and disaster relief.
    

With each release of new drone technology, futuristic visions are on the verge of becoming mainstream. Currently, services such as drone delivery are popping up in test markets all across the world. As of May 2025, Amazon offers drone delivery on more than 60,000 items in select areas. Shoppers in those areas can have items that weight five pounds or less delivered right to their driveway or yard by the new MK30 drone, which ensures the delivery area is clear of pets, cars, or people before it drops a purchase. DoorDash and Wing recently joined forces to offer quick and convenient food deliveries in certain areas, bringing new meaning to the term fast food! 

Want to learn more about drones? Click here to read up on the official details straight from the FAA.

>> Your KFB agent can offer insurance for commercial and/or personal drone usage. Click here to find an agent near you!

Bottle rockets, Roman candles, and sparklers are all synonymous with one thing in America: the Fourth of July. There’s no doubt that fireworks are fun, but they’re also the culprit of more than 10,000 hospital visits in the U.S. each year. This holiday should be a celebration of our country’s independence, not a reason to go the emergency room. Educate yourself on the rules and risks of fireworks before embarking on your own backyard pyrotechnics show.

1. Handle with care.
   Each year, thousands of celebrations fizzle out early due to injuries. Mishandled fireworks can result in severe burns, fractures, disfigurement or, worse yet, death. Even a sparkler, usually handed to small children and thought by many to be harmless, burns at 1,200°F. To put that into perspective, wood burns at 575°F and glass melts at 900°F. The tip of a sparkler is hot enough to easily cause third degree burns, thus accounting for more than one-fourth of emergency room fireworks injuries.         
   
   Follow these tips to keep you and your family safe while handling fireworks:

• Buy your fireworks from a licensed dealer and read all instructions before lighting. Don’t experiment with homemade fireworks. Sure, they might provide a few seconds of enjoyment, but that’s not worth the risk of injury, scarring or even death that may occur as a result.
• Alcohol and fireworks aren’t a good recipe. Choose an adult who is not consuming alcohol to be the designated fireworks handler.
• Always supervise the kiddos! The risk of fireworks injury is highest for young people ages five to nine.
• Keep a bucket of water on hand and make sure there’s a water hose connected nearby.
• Douse the duds! Wait 20 minutes after attempting to light a dud and soak it in a bucket of water. Never try to relight fireworks that don’t work the first time around!
•  Light one firework at a time.
•  Never point fireworks at people.
•  Keep a safe distance when watching fireworks.   

1. Light the sky, not your property.
   It’s not uncommon for fireworks to send wooded areas, homes and automobiles up in flames. Fire departments annually respond to an average of 18,500 fires caused by fireworks, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and almost 17,000 outside and other fires.  
   Fireworks-related fires cause at least $20 million in property loss each year. Bottle rockets or other rocket-type fireworks are an especially large risk to your home, as they can land on rooftops or wedge within a structure while still retaining enough heat to cause a fire.
    
2. Know the law.
   A little Fourth of July fun can turn into a run-in with the police in a flash. Laws and ordinances regarding fireworks vary from state to state, and even city to city. To view each state’s fireworks laws by the American Pyrotechnics Association, click here.
    
3. Don’t forget Fido.
   While most humans find the earth-shaking boom of fireworks to be enjoyable, most pets do not. In fact, so many frightened pets try to escape the sights and sounds each Fourth of July that lost pet intakes at animal shelters skyrocket. Remember that pets are much more sensitive to the sights, sounds and smells of the holiday than you are. Keep them indoors and away from fireworks displays. If possible, turn on a TV or radio to help drown out the commotion. If your pet seems particularly sensitive to the celebrations, consult a vet who can offer calming techniques and medications to alleviate your pet’s anxiety.

If you keep these tips in mind, your Independence Day celebration will be a blast! 

>> At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your home as you are. This Fourth of July, light up the sky, not your property! To see a full list of products we insure, click here.

You pull up to the Post Office. Your little one is strapped in the backseat, soundly asleep, and you just need to hop in and out for a book of stamps. “It will only take a minute,” you think. You make sure the doors are locked and quickly head for the door. What is the worst that could happen?     

In 2024, 39 children across the United States died from heatstroke in unattended cars. On average, 37 children under the age of 15 die each year from heatstroke after being left in a vehicle. Nearly every state has experienced at least one death since 1998. In both 2018 and 2019, a record number of 53 children died after being left in a hot vehicle, according to the National Safety Council.

We all know it gets hot outside during the summer, but how can heat stroke happen so quickly?    

Think about the weather here locally. The average August temperature in Kentucky is 88 degrees. A car sitting in that temperature can skyrocket past 100 degrees in a matter of only 10 minutes. That can quickly get uncomfortable–or dangerous–for anyone left inside.   

Heat stroke sets in when a person’s body temperature exceeds 104 degrees. At 107 degrees, internal organs begin to shut down. It’s important to remember that children and pets are much more susceptible to heat than adults. Children’s body temperatures warm at a rate 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s, and a pet can go into heat stress in as little as 10 minutes on a hot day. Not only are children and pets more vulnerable, they are also unable to escape, rendering them completely helpless as temperatures swell.   

Though it might be hard to understand how something like this can happen, most parents who leave their children behind simply forgot. Work issues, everyday stressors, and daily routines have the ability to distract anyone and everyone.         

The key to avoiding this kind of situation? Always look before you lock. Keep these six tips in mind to prevent a child or pet from experiencing heatstroke:       

• Never, ever leave a child or pet unattended in the back seat of a vehicle, no matter how quickly you think you will return. Two-thirds of heating occurs in the first 20 minutes of parking a car.
• Even on a cool day, in-car temperatures can spike to life-threatening levels. A car can bake to 113 degrees on a mild 70-degree day. In fact, heat stroke can take place when the outside temperature is as low as 57 degrees, according to HealthyChildren.org.
• Thinking of cracking a window or parking in the shade? Think again. Studies show that these actions do little, if anything, to sufficiently quell the rising temperatures. 
• Leave an important item in the backseat with your child – like your cellphone or even a shoe. If you make it a habit to leave something you need in the back seat every time you buckle up your child, you will be giving yourself one more reason to check that area of the vehicle before you walk away.      
• Lock your car every time you exit the vehicle. Thirty percent of heat stroke deaths occur because the child got in a car without a caregiver knowing and couldn’t get back out.     
• Protect others! If you see a child or pet in a hot car, call for help immediately. In most cases, even waiting a few minutes could be detrimental. 

>> At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we protect what’s important to you – from farms and fishing boats to minivans and mobile homes. To see a full list of products we insure, click here.