About Us

Stephanie is your local Boone County Farm Bureau insurance agent!

Kentucky Farm Bureau has provided residents of the Bluegrass with quality insurance since 1943. As your local agent, I’m proud to serve the Boone County community and take care of all your insurance needs with prompt service and personal attention. That’s what being Kentucky’s insurance company is all about. We offer home insurance, auto insurance, life insurance and more. Contact me today for a free quote!

Having been a satisfied customer since she was 16, it was no surprise that Stephanie Cunningham decided to become an agent with Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance. Her extensive insurance knowledge and love for helping clients has won her several awards and recognition. She has received the NAIFA Quality Award for Multi-Lines, been voted Northern Kentucky’s #1 insurance agent, and garnered countless company awards. She is also very involved in her local community, participating in activities such as the PTA, teen driving safety, and numerous community outreach programs. Stephanie specializes in giving peace of mind to business owners, professionals, and executives that their families, assets, and wealth are protected now and in the future. Her outgoing, positive attitude has helped her to quickly become an integral member of the Boone County Farm Bureau team.

Born and raised in Florence, Stephanie has been a lifelong resident of Boone County. She has been with the Farm Bureau office in Burlington since 2007. Stephanie is an avid art lover, and in her spare time enjoys designing patterns and clothes. But this devoted mom says that, by far, her greatest creation is her son. She recently married, and her family grew by 3 children and 3 beautiful grandbabies.

Jefferson County Farm Bureau members are eligible to receive the following addition member discounts:

12 months. 52 weeks. 365 days. In just one year, a whole lot can change in your life. You may buy a new car or house, change careers or retire, get married, or have a child. We’d venture to say that not everyone thinks about insurance first during these exciting times, but failure to make necessary updates to your policies when your life situation changes can lead to gaps in coverage. That’s why we recommend an annual insurance review.

Once a year, take a few moments to sit down with your Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance agent and make sure you have the correct coverages for your current possessions and state of life.  During an annual review, your agent can look for ways to save you money and check for gaps in coverage. For instance, if you recently remodeled your house, causing the appraisal value to increase, your current policy may not have enough coverage to rebuild your home in its current state. That’s why it’s important to come to the meeting with your agent ready to ask a lot of questions and discuss many different potential scenarios. After all, insurance is all about the “what-ifs” in life.

Life changes and insurance changes go hand-in-hand. In between annual reviews, we recommend you alert your agent if you experience any of the following:

• Add a new driver   
• Become an “empty nester”
• Buy or sell a car
• Buy or sell a home      
• Experience a death in the family
• Get married or divorced   
• Make a major purchase    
• Make home improvements, additions, or changes
• Move
• Open a business    
• Retire 
• Send a child off to college
• Start a family (birth or adoption) 
• Switch careers     

Ready to get started? Call your local KFB Insurance agent today.
 

>>At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your 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.

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

Have you ever found yourself at the airport’s rental car counter, baggage in tow and exhausted after a long flight, when the agent behind the desk asks, “Would you like to purchase insurance for your rental vehicle?” Let’s face it, traveling is stressful enough without throwing in important last-minute decisions like this one.

Doing a little research beforehand can help save you from making a rushed decision in moments like these. Read up on your own auto insurance policy, your credit card company’s rental protection, and the coverage offered by the rental agency. Research and consider what these sources provide before you find yourself at the rental company’s counter. Be sure to read all contracts and talk with the rental agency, your insurance agent, and perhaps your credit card company as you carefully weigh your options.

Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance customers may also find the following list of FAQs helpful for making that final decision…
 

Q. Does my own insurance policy cover a rental car?

A. Your Kentucky Farm Bureau Personal Auto Policy protects you while you are operating a rental vehicle. Coverage that applies to an accident depends on the coverage you purchased when insuring your personal vehicle.  

• Under your policy’s Liability section, you are covered for Bodily Injury Liability and Property Damage Liability that arises out of your use of the rental vehicle.
• Under your policy’s Physical Damage section, (Collision and Other Than Collision coverages) you are covered for direct and accidental loss to the rental car.
• The coverage your policy provides may be primary, or it may be secondary. It depends on the terms of your policy and the protection provided by the rental car agency.
• Your automobile policy does not cover you if you rent a motorcycle. But, if you have a motorcycle policy with Kentucky Farm Bureau, it does! Similar to a personal automobile policy, your motorcycle policy protects you while you are operating a rented motorcycle.   

Q. Should I buy the rental agency’s insurance coverage?

A. For your peace of mind, you may want to buy the rental agency’s insurance protection. This coverage is specifically for that vehicle. It’s truly your decision, but keep these things in mind…

• Liability Insurance provides resources to compensate others for injury or loss for which you are legally liable.
• Physical Damage Waiver specifically covers damage to the rental vehicle.
• In Kentucky, insurance you purchase from the rental agency is required to be primary, but this may not always be the case if you rent the vehicle in other states. You’ll want to check with the rental company regarding purchased coverages.
• Primary coverage is called on first to cover eligible losses.
• Secondary coverage comes into play after primary coverage.
• If there are more expenses involved after a primary policy responds to a covered loss, then secondary sources of coverage may become involved.
• Your Kentucky Farm Bureau policy provides coverage if you are in the United States, its territories or possessions, Canada, or Puerto Rico. Coverage under this policy is subject to its terms and conditions.
• Coverage offered by rental agencies varies. Ask your rental agency representative for details.

Q. What is the rental agency’s physical damage waiver (PDW)?

A. A physical damage waiver (PDW) is offered by rental agencies as an option for coverage for damage to the rented vehicle. Here are some things to know about PDW:

• This is specifically for damage to the vehicle you’ve rented.
• Under a PDW, the rental agency gives up its right under the rental contract to recover damages from you.
• Rental agencies vary in the kinds of, and the terms of, the waivers they offer. Be sure to read your rental agreement.

Q. Should I check my credit card company for protection?

A. Some credit cards offer limited insurance protection. You’ll want to contact your credit card company to find out if it does. Keep in mind that, typically, the entire rental transaction must be charged to the credit card for any available coverage to apply. And, just as with other coverage, the specific terms and conditions of policies vary, so read the contract or policy.
 

>> 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.

^{*The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only. It does not represent any particular contract. It is not meant to interpret, extend, or change any insurance policy or coverage in any way. The actual policy provisions will control. The policy itself sets forth, in detail, the rights and obligations of both you and your insurance company. Any coverage available will depend on the situation and the terms of the applicable policies.}

Americans have always had a love affair with cars. Yet whether you prefer the power of a muscle car, versatility of a pickup truck, spaciousness of an SUV or the practicality of a minivan, there's a common thread: They all require gas. Even so, just how much each vehicle uses can sometimes depend on the driver.     

In 2023, Americans used an average of 376 million gallons of motor gasoline each day, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The substances produced when gasoline is burned, like car­­­bon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, are harmful to our environment. Perhaps you’ve heard that message before and wondered what you could do to reduce the size of those emissions. If riding a bike or taking a bus to work isn’t an option for you, here are nine savvy ways you can help make a positive impact on our country’s consumption of gasoline (and save a few bucks at the pump!):

1. Don’t idle. In New York City alone, idling vehicles produce 130,000 tons of carbon dioxide every year, according to a report by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). Just how much pollution is that? In order to offset it, we’d need to plant a Manhattan-sized area with trees every single year. You can help by turning off your ignition if you’re sitting still for more than 10 seconds. Restarting your car does not burn more fuel than leaving it idling; in fact, idling for just 10 seconds wastes more gas than restarting the engine.
    
2. Give aggressive driving tendencies a break! If you abstain from rapid acceleration/braking, you can lower your gas mileage by as much as 33 percent at highway speeds and five percent around town, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
    
3. Similarly, if your car has an “economy mode” button, try it out. This feature reprograms various systems in your car to be less aggressive. You can push down on that gas pedal all you want, but your eco-friendly car won’t let that lead foot win.
    
4. Don’t speed. Observing the speed limit potentially saves you from a ticket and can save your gas mileage. Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph can reduce your fuel economy by 7 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
    
5. Use cruise control when possible. In most cases, keeping a constant speed will help save gas.
    
6. Get regular tune-ups! Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune can improve your gas mileage by about four percent.
    
7. Combine trips. Many short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one multi-purpose trip covering the same distance.
    
8. Avoid unnecessarily carrying cargo. Toting around a kayak may look cool, but rooftop loads can reduce fuel economy by 10 to 25 percent on the interstate, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
    
9. The best way to warm up your car is to drive it. Idling your car on a cold morning is a thing of the past. It’s true that older cars, which relied on carburetors, needed to warm up to work well, but today’s cars see no benefit to a warm-up period.

>> 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.

You’re cruising down the freeway, suitcases in the trunk, radio blastin’ and windows down. You’ve made it about 45 minutes into your 10-hour trek to the beach and thump, thump, thump. Flat tire.      

If you’re not properly prepared, a flat tire can quickly pump the brakes on your road trip, leaving you stranded on the side of the road instead of purposefully parked on a sandy beach.    

Before departing, complete this checklist to help lessen your probability of getting a flat.

1. Measure the tire pressure.
   Your tires have a recommended PSI, or “pounds per square inch.” To find the optimal PSI for front and rear tires, check in the driver’s side doorjamb, glove compartment or the owner’s manual. Note that front and rear tire numbers may differ. If you’re having trouble finding this number, consult your dealer, manufacturer or a tire professional.
   
   Once you know the recommended PSI, check the pressure on “cold” tires (this means check the pressure in the morning or after the vehicle has been sitting for several hours; tires that have been driven for more than a few miles warm up and cause the air pressure to increase). Many gas station gauges can be several pounds off, so it’s recommended to buy your own tire gauge. You can find them at most auto parts and big box stores for anywhere from $5 to $15.     
   
   When it’s time to check the pressure, remove the cap from each tire’s inflation valve. Insert the end of the gauge into the valve and depress it. If you hear air escaping from the valve, push the gauge in further until it stops.
   
   Voila! Your gauge will then give you a pressure reading. If the pressure is too low or high, adjust accordingly using these step-by-step instructions by Consumer Reports.
    
2. Check the tread.
   Tires with worn or no tread are at a higher risk of a blowout or flat. The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends replacing tires when the tread reaches 2/32”. Checking the tire tread is a cinch, as most tires have built-in indicators. These indicators are simply raised sections of rubber in the bottom of tread grooves that will appear when it’s time for a replacement.
   
   Don’t trust the indicators, or want to do it the old-fashioned way? You can use a penny! Turn the penny so Lincoln’s head is pointing down and insert it into the tread. If the tread doesn’t cover his head, it’s time to go tire shopping.
    
3. Look in the trunk.
   Think it’s safe to assume there’s a spare in your trunk? Think again. To improve fuel economy, some automakers are swapping a repair kit in place of a full-size spare, wrench and jack (which can weigh up to 100 pounds combined). 
   
   If there is a spare: Great! Temporary spares are becoming far more common than full-size spares because they offer a great balance between size and usability. Remember that temporary spares are only meant to be driven a short distance at a limited speed. Check the spare's pressure and tread as detailed in the steps above. Keep in mind that many tire manufacturers say tires expire after about a decade, regardless of whether or not they’ve been used. If you have never changed a tire, a practice run might be a good idea. You wouldn’t want to get stage fright on the side of the road! 
   
   If there isn’t a spare: Educate yourself on how to properly use the equipment provided. Most newer cars provide a tire inflator or repair kit in place of the spare. In short, these kits inject your tire with sealant and replace lost air.
    
4. Pack some roadside emergency essentials.
   According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 2,000 injuries a year result from roadside tire swaps. It’s imperative to warn other drivers that you’re laying on the side of the road as they whizz by you at 70 mph. Pack some flares or reflective triangles!
    
5. Make sure you’re charged up.
   Charge your phone before heading out, and pack a portable charger if that is an option. Hopefully after completing this check list you won’t need to call for help, but in the event you do, there’s nothing more detrimental than a dead cellphone battery on a lightly traveled highway.

>> 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.

Ready to pack up your summer clothes and leave work behind for a little while? Summer is the season for family time and fun in the sun, but don’t dive into vacation-mode before preparing your home first. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, household property crimes statistically occur at higher rates in the summer. This means that while you’re lounging at the beach or visiting family out of town, your home could be at risk.     

As you ready your family for the summer adventures ahead, don’t forget to prep your home for your absence. Put your mind at ease by following these eight tips to prepare your home for summer vacation:     

1. Batten down the hatches.
   Double-check locks on the windows and doors of your home before leaving. If you have a house alarm, be sure to set it!   
    
2. Light it up.
   Set timers for one or two noticeable indoor lights, or just leave one on continuously. This should help maintain the appearance of a lived-in home. For the exterior of your dwelling, install an outdoor floodlight to fend off potential burglars.
    
3. Keep up appearances… in the real world and online.
   Consider paying for a lawncare service to maintain the yard if you will be gone for an extended period of time, and stop newspaper and mail deliveries. Long grass and piled papers are a dead-giveaway for an empty house.
   
   Unkempt lawns and mounds of mail aren’t the only signs that nobody is home, however. Criminals are getting savvier every day, and social media activity could make your home an easy target. Don’t let your digital footprint tip off burglars to your absence. Refrain from posting on social media and broadcasting your absence when you are out of town.
    
4. Prevent pests.
   The last thing you want to come home to after a long trip is pests. Take action beforehand to prevent a buggy-takeover. Empty out all trash, especially if you’ve recently thrown away food, clean out perishable and open items from your fridge and pantry, and run your garbage disposal. Outdoors, if you have a pool, cover it and turn heat settings off to prevent bacteria and algae growth.
    
5. Watch your water.
   Turn off your water to prevent pipe leaks while you’re out of town, and double-check that nothing is already leaking before you go. These actions can help to prevent costly water damage, and you may even save some money while you’re at it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating can account for 14 to 25% of your home energy cost. When you know you’ll be away from home, set your water heater to “vacation mode” to help conserve energy and money.
    
6. Be prepared for anything.
   Test your smoke alarms and emergency response systems before departure, and unplug appliances like TVs and toasters in case of a power surge. Leave your air conditioning on, however, to protect your pets, plants, and furniture from heat and humidity.
    
7. Notify your neighbor.
   Give a spare key to a trustworthy neighbor or family member. Having someone to watch over your home, pets, and plants while you’re away will allow for peace of mind and more relaxation on your vacation.
    
8. Inventory your home.
   Create a written and photographic record of valuable items, and include information such as serial numbers, make, and model. Give a copy of your list to a family member and keep one for yourself. To be extra sure of your protection, call your insurance agent to clarify what’s specifically covered by your policy. For more information on home inventories, click here.

There can be a lot to do around the house before taking off for a summer retreat, so be sure to make a list — and check it twice! Prepping your home before your next vacation could save you time and money, and keep your focus on what truly matters: having a fun-filled time with your family and friends. From all of us here at Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance, have a wonderful and safe summer vacation!

>> At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your 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.

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

Ahhh, nothing says summertime like the aroma of a backyard barbecue entangled in the breeze. People all across Kentucky will undoubtedly enjoy many fire-cooked meals this season, but despite our familiarity with grilling, sometimes accidents do happen. Grill fires cause an annual average of $37 million in property damage, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Grill masters: Before grabbing those spatulas, brush up on these safety precautions to ensure simple summer cooking fun.

• Keep the grill away from anything that can burn, such as your home, garage, deck railings, and landscaping. Don’t cook under the house’s eaves or overhanging tree branches.    
• Always cook on a level surface, and never move the grill after it is lit.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet from the grilling site.
• Never grill indoors or in enclosed areas. Charcoal grills produce carbon monoxide fumes, which can be fatal in unventilated areas.
• The cook should wear a heavy apron and oven mitts that reach high on the forearm. Use long-handled utensils designed for barbecuing. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, about 5,700 grill fires take place on residential property every year, most caused by malfunctioning gas grills. These fires cause an annual average of $37 million in property damage, 100 injuries, and 10 fatalities.
• Only use lighter fluid designed for grilling when charcoal grilling. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids. Once the fire has started, do not add more lighter fluid.
• Never leave your grill unattended while lit.
• After the food is served and the grill is turned off and cooled, clean it by removing grease and fat buildup on the grates and trays below.
• Make sure the grill is cooled before storing or covering. When you’re done cooking, remember that the grill will remain hot for a while. If using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing of them in a metal container.
• Cover your grill when cooled and not in use to help protect its parts from inclement weather, falling leaves, and insect activity.
• Store propane tanks outside, away from your house. Always check to make sure valves are firmly turned off.
• Last, but certainly not least, keep a fire extinguisher on hand. It could ensure that your fun summer day stays that way.  

Almost two-thirds (64%) of U.S. adults own a grill or smoker, according to the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association (HPBA). Let’s all do our part to keep this favorite American pastime safe and fun for all!

>> At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your 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.

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

For many years, Kentucky Farm Bureau has given farmers the opportunity to gain recognition for their hard work and knowledge about agriculture through participation in our young farmer contests. Back in 2006, we began a recognition program for farmers of all ages called the Farmer of the Year award. This program rewards farmers for their commitment to excellence in the agriculture industry and their efficiency in farming practices, sound financial management, and leadership in civic organizations.

There are many innovative and successful farmers in Kentucky and this awards program seeks to recognize them for their outstanding farming operations and leadership in our industry. We appreciate your help in recruiting farmers for this contest. If you have any questions about the Farmer of the Year contest or would like to nominate someone for this award, please do not hesitate to contact Renee Carrico, Commodity Division Director at (502) 495-5000. Applications for the 2025 Farmer of the Year are now closed.

If you look up the phrase "all-in approach" on the internet, you might find a definition of sorts that says, “signifies a strategy or method that fully utilizes all available resources, efforts, or options to achieve a goal. It implies a commitment to invest everything necessary to succeed.”

As we have faced numerous weather-related disasters over the past few years, Kentucky Farm Bureau quickly adapted to this "all-in approach " to serve our members who have been affected by these torrential storms.

Our staff at both the state and local levels have committed to doing all they can to reach out to affected members across Kentucky.

We have heard from so many who have suffered great losses and, as an organization, we are doing all we can to meet their needs because that’s what we do.

But the "all-in approach" doesn't just apply to KFB. I have seen communities throughout the commonwealth come together in this same way to do all they can to help their citizens in these times of need.

First responders have spent tireless days and nights helping to evacuate people stranded by the historic floods. Local churches and various organizations have banded together to provide food, water, and shelter to those who have none.

As devastating as it is to watch, it is humbling to see the kind of unity we have experienced in the wake of these storms. I have heard on numerous occasions that trying times as we have seen lately bring out the best in us as we work together to help each other, to care for each other, and to assist each other as we rebuild our lives together. That truly seems to be the case for all Kentuckians.

Of course, there is never a good time to have severe weather move through the state, but as farmers, we were on the verge of a new planting season. Many of our fields were left underwater for a time and will have to be cleared of debris and allowed to dry enough to resume our work. 

I certainly realize that a later-than-planned growing season may seem trivial to those who have lost homes and businesses, but it still puts a huge burden on farm families who are constantly at the mercy of Mother Nature every year.

In the best of weather years, we often find ourselves wondering if we will make a profit for the year’s crops as volatile markets endure storms of their own. But again, we come together to help each other no matter the events that put us in need.

My prayers are with all those who have suffered losses of any magnitude this year, as we hope for better weather and a brighter tomorrow. We will reach our goals of getting our members back on their feet, and our communities back to normal as we continue to be “all in.”

Eddie Melton, President
Kentucky Farm Bureau        

On Tuesday, April 22, Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) Insurance hosted its seventh annual Clays for a Cause fundraising event, bringing in $389,473 in charitable donations to support the fight against food and housing insecurity in Kentucky. This event has now raised nearly $2.1 million in charitable donations since its inaugural shoot in 2019.

“When we launched this event seven years ago, we were curious to see if we could rally enough support to make a noticeable difference for our fellow Kentuckians in need,” explained John Sparrow, Executive Vice President and CEO of KFB Insurance. “Now, seeing the outpouring of generosity at this year’s event push our contribution total over the $2 million mark in just a few years’ time, I’m humbled to think about the impact we’re helping make across the state.”

The sold-out sporting clays event, held at Jefferson Gun Club in Brooks, Ky., was attended by approximately 370 participants and supported by 54 sponsoring companies. As KFB Insurance underwrites 100% of the expenses to produce this event, every dollar raised from sponsorships, participant fees, silent auction items, and donations is given directly to the selected charities or causes. This year, the proceeds will again be used to support local hunger relief efforts organized through Feeding Kentucky, Glean Kentucky, and Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry, as well as to assist the affordable housing program run by Habitat for Humanity of Metro Louisville.

“Uplifting our neighbors facing food insecurity is a cause we can all support. Through Clays for a Cause, Kentuckians gain the opportunity to give back, together,” said Melissa McDonald, Executive Director of Feeding Kentucky. “Our longstanding partnership with Kentucky Farm Bureau has provided critical support for Farmers Feeding Kentucky, helping us connect more of our neighbors to healthy, local food, now and into the future.”

“Habitat for Humanity is so grateful for the support of KFB and the Clays for a Cause event. Not only are they providing gap funding to help make families’ dreams of homeownership come true, but they are also raising awareness of the growing challenges facing families seeking to buy their first home,” added Rob Locke, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Metro Louisville. “Together we can build strength, stability, and self-reliance thorough the power of homeownership.”

“The generosity and continued support of sponsors like Kentucky Farm Bureau has afforded our program the opportunity to expand our services to additional communities and groups in need. These opportunities have resulted in record growth of the program for the past three years and exciting new programs to expand our outreach and impact,” said Roger LaPointe, Executive Director of Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry. “We are grateful for our generous sponsors and the sportsmen and sportswomen who help us continue our mission to alleviate hunger in the Commonwealth.”

“The support Glean Kentucky receives from Clays for a Cause each year is instrumental in sustaining the critical work we do to fight hunger and prevent food waste,” concluded Jennifer Palmer, Executive Director of Glean Kentucky. “The funds we receive in 2025 will especially help us to invest in our North Central program, which is experiencing exceptional growth as it expands to serve even more of our neighbors in need. We are deeply thankful to Kentucky Farm Bureau and all Clays for a Cause participants for their contributions to our mission—the positive impact of your generosity on our organization and our community is profound.”

The eighth annual Clays for a Cause fundraiser will be held next year on April 21, 2026. For more information about the event, visit https://www.kyfb.com/insurance/clays-for-a-cause/.

Clays for a Cause is a sporting clays event produced and underwritten as a charitable fundraiser by Kentucky Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. Every dollar raised from the event through sponsorships, donations and participant entry fees is given to a charity or cause designated by the Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance Foundation.

Throughout my lifetime, I recall several weather-related storms that wreaked havoc in our state… the first being the super tornado outbreak in 1974. I think, in some ways, we gauge whatever storms we have now with what happened on April 3 of that year.

It was devastating, to say the least. We had an old cellar behind our house where we took refuge, and. while the storms were all around us, by the grace of God, we did not suffer any physical damage.

But the memories have remained since that day, and whenever I hear tornado warning sirens, I’m taken back to that time and place. We didn’t have the technology available today to keep us informed, but we had brave local responders who did their best to keep our small communities safe.

In experiencing what seems to be numerous weather-related events having taken place this year already, including historic floods, I once again have to give thanks for my family’s safety while feeling such sorrow for those who have suffered insurmountable losses.

And while it may be hard to glean the good out of a situation that is so bad, I have witnessed silver linings everywhere I have been.

The true blessing in all of this conundrum is the people in our communities: the leaders, volunteers, first responders, friends and neighbors, and anyone who has something to give—be it their time or resources. It’s about helping those who have lost their homes, belongings, and, for some, their hope that all would eventually return to some kind of normalcy.

I had the opportunity to ride along with two of our fine first responders from my hometown, Amy Womack, Emergency Management Deputy Director, and John Shuttleworth, Deputy Director of Public Safety in Anderson County.

Needing a few photos for a magazine story, I arrived to meet them at the EMS station. I discovered a local citizen there talking about the home he evaluated due to the flood waters. Amy told me that often those affected by these horrific events just need to talk to someone, and, as first responders, they are glad to listen.

As we made our way to a couple of locations to see what damage had been done, these two rescuers took the time to talk to people who could do nothing but wait for the waters to recede.

They gave out water and food at various locations, but perhaps the most important thing they were giving that day was a bit of hope to those who needed it the most.

I know these acts of caring and compassion were taking place, not just in my hometown, but all over our state. Wherever there was a need, there was always someone there doing their best to fulfill those needs.

The people of this fine state have a resolve to move forward after such disasters and a will to look to a brighter day. It makes me proud to live in a place like this. A place where neighbors help each other and share what they have with those who may have nothing left to share.

Yes, there is a silver lining in all this: It’s wonderful people who make the effort to give of themselves during times when it’s needed the most. I hope one day I can meet them all, as I travel down the backroads.

Tim Thornberry, Editor
Kentucky Farm Bureau News

Tornadic activity and historic flooding have plagued the commonwealth this year.

To say it has been a tough weather year so far in Kentucky is a drastic understatement, as winter snows and ice turned to floods in the early spring. In fact, tornadic activity has been rearing its ugly head since February.

Dr. Jerry Brotzge, Kentucky State Climatologist and director of the Kentucky Climate Center and Kentucky Mesonet at Western Kentucky University, has compiled some eye-catching statistics that quantify just what a tough season it has been so far.

“So far this year, Kentucky has had a total of 103 tornado warnings, with a total confirmed 31 tornadoes,” he said.

And as tragic as the tornadoes have been, the floods have been of historic proportions. Brotzge ranks the most current flooding event as possibly being in the top five of 20th-21st century floods across the region.

“The March 2025 storm was significant due to the three- and four-day precipitation totals, several of which set records,” he said. “There were six new three-day totals in six counties, and the seven-day totals from April 1-7 exceeded 10 inches across much of western Kentucky, concentrated along a line from Hickman to Hodgenville.”

Brotzge noted that 10 inches is about 20 percent of the state’s annual total, and within that swath, there were 10 Mesonet sites with measurements exceeding 12 inches and one station exceeding 15 inches in Marshall County. All areas outside southeastern Kentucky received at least five inches throughout the period.

“As of April 8, the western half of Kentucky had already received over 25 inches of rainfall so far this year,” he said. “Which means that much of the state has already received half of its annual rainfall, with over eight months left in the year.”

Brotzge added that the official state average so far this year is 24.48 inches, which is 188 percent of normal precipitation, with the average total for this date being 13.01 inches.

"If we received no more rain for April, we would stand as the fifth wettest year out of 130 years of records," he said. “With more rain this month [April], we expect to move up the rankings. The wettest January-April record is still held by 1939, with a statewide average of 25.64 inches. Hopefully, we will not exceed that.”

Some of the hardest hit areas were in west Kentucky, with rainfall totals in the double-digits in many counties, leaving many farm fields under water in mid-April.

Darrell Simpson is the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent in Muhlenberg County where much of the farmland saw flooding. He said in his 36 years as the agent there, he had never seen that much water.

“There was water in places where I had never seen it before,” he said. “This actually exceeds the 1997 flood for sure, as well as the flood in 2011, the one I often refer to as the Nashville flood.”

There are three main tributaries in the county, with the Green and Mud Rivers on the eastern boundary of the county and the Pond River on the western side. All three were out of their banks, causing extensive flooding in the area, much of which originated with the backup of the Ohio River.

Simpson said the timing of this flooding event couldn't have come at a worse time, as farmers were about to begin planting crops.

“We typically start planting corn and soybeans about the first of April, but the rains came at that time, impacting corn planting, and then soybeans,” he said. “It has definitely put us behind on our schedule for planting. It really could not have come at a worse time.”

Simpson said some parts of the county saw as much as 17 inches of rain in that four- to five-day period, and weather events like this one can affect the overall economy of the area.

“Agriculture is a really important industry here, and according to the 2022 census, we were about a $149 million industry here in the county,” he said. “A large part of that is livestock and poultry, specifically. But again, cropping is a big deal for us here. Not just row crops, like corn, soybeans, and wheat, but also pastures, hay, and things of that nature. So, when we get these kind of weather events, it puts a hurt on a major industry as it relates to our county.”

Kentucky Farm Bureau President Eddie Melton, whose farm is located in Webster County, another area heavily affected by the floods, said nearly all of the state has seen some type of damage due to weather events throughout the year.

“It’s been a tough beginning to 2025 both on and off the farm, from a weather perspective," he said. "As an organization, we are taking an 'all-in' approach to serving our members who have suffered damage due to these catastrophes and will continue to do so for as long as it takes. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all whose lives have been changed by these storms."  

As we move into a time of year when our farm families are hard at work getting their crops out, we have had a difficult spring from a weather standpoint. From strong storms to historic flooding, sometimes Mother Nature can really present a set of challenges that we, as farmers, just don’t need right now.

However, having spent a lifetime on the farm, I know the kind of resolve we have when it comes to facing challenges of any kind. That doesn’t mean it won’t be difficult to get past some of the issues left behind by high water and storm damage, but the tradition of farming that runs deep in our rural communities is unquestionably one of the things that keeps us moving forward.

And move forward we will. I can’t tell you  the number of times I have seen our farm families turn difficult times into opportunities. 

An example of that can be traced back to the transition tobacco producers faced as the market environment changes moved the farm economy in this state from tobacco dependent to a more diversified agriculture industry, and diversified, we have become.

Our livestock operations now rival any in the country. The Kentucky Farm Bureau Certified Farm Market program has grown exponentially since it began 30 years ago. Many of those markets have helped countless tobacco farms transition into the local food economy as well as becoming agri-tourism destinations.

 I remember well when some naysayers thought we would never get a poultry industry off the ground, but we have grown that sector to be the top agriculture commodity in this state and a billion-dollar business.

Our grain production has grown as well, to the point that it provides the majority of farm cash receipts each year.

But perhaps the most important part of our farming operations is the people who get up early, stay up late, work seven days a week, and rarely take a break from the farm in order to feed, cloth, and fuel this country.

As we move past the recent weather disasters, a lot of recovery efforts are underway and will be for some time to come. But one thing I have noticed, and have really known all my life, is the abundant help we have provided individually and as organizations to help our friends and neighbors during this time of need. And yes, right now, we are all friends and neighbors.

Our communities have banded together to lend that helping hand and to provide food, shelter, and the basic needs so many need assistance with right now. Our first responders have put their own needs aside to support efforts in their towns and cities and to rescue their fellow citizens stranded by high waters.

I even heard of a situation where a horse owner was evacuated from his home leaving the horse behind on high ground, safe from the water but unable to be reached by his owner. The owner reached out to his local first responders and they made the trip to the farm in a boat to feed his horse.

These moments of unselfish sharing and caring make me so proud to live where I do and work for an organization that is doing all it can to serve our members in the toughest of times, to move them forward to a better day.

In closing, at the end of the day the faith we have in God, family and each other always seems to prevail. God bless you all.

Drew Graham, Executive Vice President
Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation