Why KFB?

Officers
Eddie Melton - President 
Shane Wiseman - First Vice President 
Larry Clark - Second Vice President 
Drew Graham - Executive Vice President

Directors
Scott Barnes - Lancaster
Alex Barnett - Cynthiana
Bettie Bean - Paducah
Todd Brock - Corbin
Matt Chaliff - Mt. Vernon
Jed Clark - Mayfield
Larry Clark - Greensburg
Scott Davis - Tompkinsville
Tyler Ferguson - Flatgap
Sharon Furches - Murray
Tim Goodlett - Liberty
Mark Haney - Nancy
Cloyce Hinkle - Artemus
Glenn Howell - Fulton
Stewart Hughes - Georgetown 
Justin Imel - Greenup
Zack Ison - Harrodsurg
Mark Kinsey - Crittenden
Mary Kate Kordes - Central City
Terry Lawson - Mt. Vernon
Mitchel Logsdon - Munfordville
Ray Allan Mackey - Elizabethtown
Joe Paul Mattingly - Raywick
David McGlone - Grayson
Eddie Melton - Sebree
P.J. Milburn - Bloomfield
Victor Rexroat - Russell Springs
James Runion - Henderson
Brandon Sears - Richmond
Laura Stephenson - Lexington
David Taylor - Somerset
Larry Thomas - Elizabethtown
Tammy White - Sturgis
Shane Wiseman - Winchester

Webster County farmer Eddie Melton was re-elected as President of Kentucky Farm Bureau today. He has served on the organization’s executive committee for the past 16 years. Also re-elected were Shane Wiseman of Clark County as First Vice President and Larry Clark of Green County as Second Vice President. 

Mr. Melton, a former President of Webster County Farm Bureau, is the Past Chair of the KFB State Resolutions Committee and Past President of the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Center for Agriculture & Rural Development. Mr. Melton also serves on the Board of Directors for Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company and the American Farm Bureau Federation. He produces corn, soybeans and beef cattle on his farming operation in Sebree, Ky. He and his wife, Regina, have a daughter and two grandchildren.

Mr. Wiseman is Past President of Clark County Farm Bureau and is a fourth-generation farmer producing beef cattle, hay, corn, soybeans and wheat. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Kentucky University and earned a master’s degree and Rank I in agriculture education from the University of Kentucky. Mr. Wiseman taught agriculture for 26 years. He is Chair of the KFB Resolutions Committee, a member of the AFBF Agricultural Labor Issues Advisory Committee, and a member of the Kentucky State University College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources Dean’s Council. Mr. Wiseman is also a member of the Clark County Soil Conservation Board and Chair of the Agriculture Tourism Committee. He and his wife, Stephanie, have three children.

Mr. Clark farms in Green, Metcalfe and Adair counties where he grows corn, beans and tobacco. He also raises beef cattle. He currently serves as a member of the KFB Insurance Company Audit Committee and as Chair of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation Audit Committee. Mr. Clark is a Past President of Green County Farm Bureau and is a Past President of the Green County Cattlemen’s Association. He and his wife, Sundown, have two children.

Five new members were elected to the KFB Board of Directors this year: Laura Stephenson of Fayette County will serve on the Board in her role as Dean of the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; Jed Clark of Graves County will serve on the Board as the Chair of the State Generation Bridge Core Leadership Committee; Justin Imel of Greenup County will serve on the Board as Chair of the KFB State Young Farmer Advisory Committee; Brandon Sears of Madison County will serve on the Board as the representative of the Kentucky Association of County Agricultural Agents; and Matt Chaliff of Rockcastle County will serve on the Board as the representative for Career & Technical Education for the Kentucky Department of Education. 

Returning Board Members are:  

Sharon Furches of Calloway County; David McGlone of Carter County; Tim Goodlett of Casey County; Glenn Howell of Fulton County; Scott Barnes of Garrard County; Mark Kinsey of Grant County; Ray Allan Mackey of Hardin County; Larry Thomas of Hardin County; Alex Barnett of Harrison County; Mitchel Logsdon of Hart County; James Runion of Henderson County; Tyler Ferguson of Johnson County; Cloyce Hinkle of Knox County; Todd Brock of Laurel County; Joe Paul Mattingly of Marion County; Bettie Bean of McCracken County; Zack Ison of Mercer County; Scott Davis of Monroe County; Mary Kate Kordes of Muhlenberg County; PJ Milburn of Nelson County; Mark Haney of Pulaski County; David Taylor of Pulaski County; Stewart Hughes of Scott County; Terry Lawson of Rockcastle County; Victor Rexroat of Russell County; and Tammy White of Union County.

The new Vice Chair of the Young Farmer Committee is Erin Arnett of Green County, the new Secretary is Ann Margaret Hughes of Wayne County, and the new Social Media Chair is Adam Benham of Meade County.

The new Vice Chair of the Generation Bridge Committee is Katie Cecil-Pedigo of Daviess County; the new Secretary is Scott Bouldin of Warren County. 

Bettie Bean of McCracken County was re-elected as Chair of the State Women’s Advisory Committee. Re-elected as First Vice Chair was Jennifer Newby of Boyle County, and elected as Second Vice Chair was Carol Sullivan of Taylor County.

Eddie Melton addressed Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) members this morning at the organization’s 105th Annual Meeting in Louisville. The Webster County farmer, who was elected as KFB President last December, delivered a year-end review and shared his thoughts about the past and future of the organization.

Melton began his remarks by thanking the KFB board for their support during his first year as President. “They do an outstanding job representing agriculture and setting the direction for our organization every day.”

The KFB President highlighted the Annual Meeting’s theme this year, “A Firm Foundation,” stating that the organization’s 100-plus year history is the solid foundation upon which he will continue to build. 

“I couldn't be more excited to help lead our organization forward,” he said. “What makes our organization what it is, is right here in this room – our volunteer leaders all across the state.”

Melton echoed what American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall shared during the previous day’s Commodity Luncheon, saying that county leaders are the lifeblood of KFB. “A county president serves as the leader and as the voice of Kentucky Farm Bureau in your county,” said Melton. “The work that you do … allows our voices to be heard on the local, the state, and the national level. And it helps us to have those discussions about agriculture and our rural way of life.”

From a policy perspective, Melton said the farm bill is “the one piece of legislation that's most important to us in the ag industry, and it's one that our farm families need. This bill ensures our farm families have tools to meet the demands of our production needs, our support programs, research and development initiatives and trade opportunities, just to name a few.”

Melton went on to reveal some startling census data, which underscores the challenges farmers today face.

“The data tells us that from 2017 to 2022, we lost 6,500 farmers in the state of Kentucky. In five years alone, during that same period, the USDA census said that we lost 500,000 acres of production farmland in Kentucky,” said Melton. “That's 100,000 acres every year. But the one thing that stood out to me the most when I saw those numbers — it's 274 acres every day in Kentucky that we lose of production farmland. The average farm size in Kentucky is 179 acres. That means we lose one-and-a-half farms every day. In my mind, that's not sustainable. Perhaps one of the most telling numbers that came out in that census is that farm production cost. It went up over 28% in that same timeframe.”

Despite this disturbing news, “One thing that can't be dampened is the human spirit,” Melton added. “Our farm families are so dedicated to their farming heritage, enabling active and next-generation farmers to carry on this historic tradition. It should be a priority for every one of us in the agriculture industry.”

Melton shared that this loss of land is why KFB launched the Kentucky Farmland Initiative (KFTI) earlier this year. He noted that KFTI now boasts a network of 26 partners who are committed to keeping Kentucky’s farmland in active production.

“There's no silver bullet that's going to cure this problem that we have of losing this farmland,” Melton cautioned. “We're going to have to take a shotgun approach. … I think this coming year we're going to see some real progress made” on this initiative.

Melton then encouraged the audience to participate in the afternoon’s policy-setting meetings.

“As a grassroots organization, you set the policy for this organization for this coming year,” he said. “Thank you very much for this year we’ve had, I appreciate you so much and I look forward to what we have ahead of us at Kentucky Farm Bureau.”

Laney Pease of Fleming County and Aiden Manley of Menifee County were named winners of the Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) 2024 Outstanding Farm Bureau Youth contest at the organization’s 105th Annual Meeting. They were each awarded a $3,500 college scholarship, a piece of luggage and a wristwatch as contest prizes.

Pease and Manley were selected from 22 district finalists out of approximately 350 youth who competed in county and district contests over the past several months. At each level, the competition consists of two portions: a personal interview and a two-minute prepared speech related to agriculture or KFB. Contestants are evaluated by three judges with backgrounds in youth work and/or agriculture.

Judges heard speeches and spoke with finalists for personal interviews, awarding points for each contestant’s leadership record, conversational ability and scholastic achievement. 

Runners-up in the contest were Daniel Laurent of Caldwell County and Addison Thompson of Montgomery County. They each received a $300 cash award and a leather portfolio. 

The other district finalists were: Laykin Gatton, Boyle County; Benjamin Bratcher, Butler County; Avery Drane, Breckinridge County; Jacee McKeel and Cooper Housden, Calloway County; Mollie Goode, Christian County; Kaley Roberts, Clay County; Lucas Campbell, Fleming County;  Austin Van, Laurel County; Toby Sallee, Lincoln County; Arabella Robertson, Logan County; Clara Beth Bishop and Micah Whitson, Nelson County; Madison Wright and Jeremiah Jury, Owen County; Colson Pierce, Pulaski County; Alyssa Benningfield, Taylor County; and Carver Woosley, Warren County.

All finalists received luggage pieces and $100 for winning their district competitions.

Kentucky Farm Bureau announced today that Laken Falwell, K-5 library media specialist and STEM teacher at North Calloway Elementary School, is the recipient of KFB’s 2024 Excellence in Ag Literacy Award.

The Excellence in Ag Literacy Award recognizes a certified pre-kindergarten through 12th grade teacher who excels in their efforts to incorporate agricultural concepts through their academic studies.

Falwell is recognized for her ongoing efforts to develop, plan and implement immersive hands-on projects, activities and lessons that give North Calloway students countless opportunities to learn about agriculture in a way that is both educational and fun. 

She collaborates with local farmers, agricultural agencies and community stakeholders to extend learning beyond her library classroom through enrichment programs, guest speakers and special projects that actively engage students in learning about animals and agriculture, including Dairy Cow Week and Cow Day. In addition, her hands-on lessons have featured the life cycle of pumpkins, the life cycle of chickens, animals petting zoos, pollination, soil types and layers, as well as annual activities on Earth Day and the Kentucky Derby.

“Laken Falwell is truly deserving of this award, as she has gone above and beyond to foster agricultural literacy and inspire a love for farming and the environment among our students,” said Melinda Hendley, North Calloway Elementary Principal. “Her commitment to integrating agriculture into our school curriculum in creative and meaningful ways has made a lasting impact on our school and the broader community.”

Earlier today, Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) hosted its commodity luncheon at the organization’s 105th Annual Meeting. The luncheon is one of the many traditions at the yearly four-day event held at the Galt House in Louisville, celebrating the strength and resilience of Kentucky’s agriculture industry, and looking ahead to the future.

The event began with a warm welcome to the audience of 800 from KFB President Eddie Melton, who introduced the organization’s executive leadership team and recognized the many distinguished guests in attendance, including county Farm Bureau presidents and boards of directors; Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky State Fair Board and other state agency staff; several state college of agriculture deans; city, county and state legislators; and state FFA and 4-H leaders. Melton also thanked three of his predecessors, Mark Haney, Marshall Cole and Bill Sprague, for showing their continued support.

“We’re also blessed to have a great network of partners in our Farmland Transition Initiative here today,” added Melton. “We now have a total of 26 organizations in the network, and we’re so appreciative of their partnership.”

Melton introduced Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, noting that KFB is proud to partner with the Department of Agriculture on many important initiatives.

“Being your voice as Commissioner of Agriculture is the absolute best job in the world,” said Shell. He went on to acknowledge the theme of this year’s Annual Meeting, “A Firm Foundation,” sharing what it means to him. He credits his grandfather, Jimmy Shell, for helping him to establish his own firm foundation as a man committed to his family, his community and his faith. 

Shell stressed his deep roots with KFB by sharing that his leadership career began at the county level at the suggestion of his grandfather, when he was asked to serve on the Garrard County Farm Bureau board at the young age of 17. He learned then that KFB members are “truly the voice of rural Kentucky,” and they are “second to none” in their commitment to their communities.

He added that KFB cements its own firm foundation by “grabbing our young people by the back of the hair of the head and pushing them into leadership positions to give them an opportunity for success into the future.” 

Most importantly, Shell said, “Agriculture itself is a firm foundation for Kentucky, our country and our world. We wouldn't have cities, we wouldn't have global superpowers if it was not for agriculture.”

Shell acknowledged the many challenges farmers have faced over the past year, but said the opportunities ahead far outweigh the challenges. He discussed the Department of Agriculture’s “Food Is Medicine” educational campaign, which aims to put food as the central focus of health care, as well as his department’s major initiative to embed agriculture into school curriculums across the state.

Shell concluded his remarks by thanking Melton for being a national leader in conversations about farmland transition, and commended KFB for its continued role in those efforts. “We have got to preserve prime farmland in the state of Kentucky for the next generation of farmers in America.”

Melton then introduced American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall, thanking him for taking time out of his busy travel schedule to come to Kentucky. Duvall shared that he always looks forward to visiting the commonwealth “to look back over the last year and celebrate all your successes.”

The overarching theme of Duvall’s remarks was the enormous potential he sees in county Farm Bureaus and their members. “When I look back at all the jobs and positions that I've been able to hold in this great organization, the most important position is that of the county president and their board directors,” he said. “Because without you being engaged and really locked in what's going on in your community, we don't have good policy. We don't serve our community without you. We don't engage our members.”

He praised grassroots efforts at the county level, noting that advocacy efforts over a two-year period halted recent legislation related to greenhouse emissions that could have negatively impacted farmers. “That's what an engaged membership driven by an active county Farm Bureau president and their board can make happen.”

Duvall discussed his expectations for President-Elect Trump’s new administration, sharing that he had high hopes for Brooke Rollins, Trump's pick to be agriculture secretary. “I feel really good about the opportunity we have to work with her and what she'll do for rural America in agriculture.”

Duvall also emphasized the continued need for a new, modernized farm bill, or at the very least an extension on the existing legislation to bridge the gap for our country’s farmers. He also discussed concerns about some of the biggest issues facing the agriculture industry — labor, wages, immigration, tariffs and taxes — and how those issues may be impacted by the new administration. He assured luncheon attendees that he and the American Farm Bureau will continue to cultivate relationships in Washington and strongly advocate for the interests of farmers on all these issues.

“The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is going to expire in 2025,” Duvall said. “We’re pushing to renew it. If we lose those tax incentives, it will cost us $4.5 billion across our farms.”

Duvall challenged all Farm Bureau executives and members in attendance not to rest on their laurels. “As I look out across this room and see all the potential, I also see lots of ways that we can tap into that to become better,” he said. “We can all step up and even do more under the banner of Farm Bureau. The brand Farm Bureau carries a very high respect and it's because of you, but we can make it even better. We have to make our county Farm Bureaus the premier organization in every county across this country.”

One way to make the organization better is by developing young leaders and educating those outside the industry about agriculture. “The most powerful tool in our toolbox is your story,” Duvall told the audience. 

He also encouraged KFB members to access the mental health resources in American Farm Bureau’s Farm State of Mind program when times get tough. “Our job is to make sure we take care of each other in our Farm Bureau family.” 

Duvall concluded his remarks with warm thanks and good wishes for a blessed Christmas season. 

Ruth Ann Fink of Clark County won first place in the final round of Kentucky Farm Bureau’s (KFB) 2024 Discussion Meet, a debate-styled competition for young farmers that relies on an individual’s skill in reasoning and logical discussion of issues. The topic was: “What are some ways that county Farm Bureaus can encourage involvement from young members, and how can actively engaged young board members help their county Farm Bureaus plan for the future?”

Fink participated with three other entrants in the final event, winning a Kubota RTV sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life and Amburgey’s Farm Machinery. She will represent Kentucky in the national competition at the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation convention in January and will be vying for prizes, including a new Ford truck.

Runner-up in the state Discussion Meet was Molly Sullivan of Taylor County, who received $1,000. The other finalists in the state-level contest were Jacob Mattingly of Meade County and Benjamin Pinkston of Mercer County. They each received $200.

KFB’s Discussion Meet tests entrants on their basic knowledge of critical farm issues and their ability to respond in a panel-type discussion. 

Welcome to Kentucky Farm Life

Get to know the people and policies that make up Kentucky Farm Bureau and Kentucky's agriculture community through engaging discussions, colorful stories, and informative interviews. Subscribe and get access to all four Kentucky Farm Life series!

Between the Rows

A weekly series focused on sharing stories from the Kentucky farming community. Hosts Renee Carrico and Matt Hilton of Kentucky Farm Bureau chat with farmers to learn how and why they do the work they love.

Farm to Frankfort

Each month, Kentucky Farm Bureau President Eddie Melton and KFB Public Affairs Director Kyle Kelly host Farm to Frankfort, a discussion-based program focused on agriculture issues faced by Kentucky farmers.

Down the Backroads

The Down the Backroads podcast is based on a monthly column by KFB News Editor Tim Thornberry, in which he shares his personal stories, thoughts, and memories about rural life in Kentucky and beyond.

Kentucky Farm Bureau News: the podcast

A collection of insightful interviews from Kentucky Farm Bureau News magazine. Each month, Editor Tim Thornberry talks with farmers and others about issues facing the agriculture industry.

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O, Christmas tree! For many, the luminance of a lush evergreen adorned in twinkling multi-colored lights is a timeless tradition. But did you know that this holiday staple is often a home hazard? Read on for a few hints to help you avoid a tree tragedy in your living room this season:     
 

FIRE HAZARDS
There’s nothing quite like that fresh fir scent filling your home around the holidays. While there’s certainly something magical about decorating a live tree, they do require a little extra upkeep. Did you know a dry tree can catch fire and burn faster than newspaper?    

From 2016 to 2020 (the most recent report available), Christmas trees caused an average of 160 home fires, resulting in an average of two deaths, 11 injuries, and $12 million in direct property damage annually, according to the most recent report available from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Heated rooms rapidly dry out live trees, so it’s imperative to keep them fresh and well-watered. Monitor water levels daily, and keep the tree stand filled with water.   

Need some quick ways to test the freshness of your tree? A fresh tree is green, the bottom of the trunk is sticky with resin, and needles are hard to pull from branches and do not break when bent between your fingers.   

After the holiday is over, get rid of your tree! Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home, garage or even on the property. Check with your local community to find a recycling program.   
 

PLACEMENT
Make sure your tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles or heat vents. In 25% of Christmas tree fires, a heat source was too close to the tree, according to the NFPA. If possible, it is also advisable to anchor your tree to keep it from tipping over.
 

KIDS
Try to avoid using sharp or breakable objects as ornaments – but if you do, place them high on the tree, out of reach for youngsters. Decorative, liquid-filled “bubble lights” contain methylene chloride, which can be poisonous if a child drinks the fluid from more than one light (even if labeled nontoxic). In addition, snow sprays contain acetone or methylene chloride. These solvents can be harmful when inhaled. Once the snow spray is dried, it is not dangerous.
 

PETS
Many aspects of a live tree can also be toxic to pets. Preservatives, pesticides, and fertilizers from the tree farm often seep into the water. Use a covered tree stand to be safe! Homemade salt-dough ornaments can additionally be a tempting treat both two- and four-legged members of your home, but can cause life threatening imbalances in pets. Holly and mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal issues and even cardiovascular problems when ingested, and various lilies that are often found in holiday bouquets can cause kidney failure in cats. Keep in mind that garland and lights pose a strangulation risk – especially for cats who may view this shiny décor as a toy. 
 

LIGHTS
Electrical distribution or lighting equipment is involved in 44% of home Christmas tree fires. To help keep your tree fire-free, be sure to use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory and rated for indoor use. Check new and used lights for broken cords, frayed wiring or loose connections before plugging them in, and always turn off the tree’s lights before going to bed!

So when it comes to holiday safety, make your list, check it twice and enjoy a disaster-free holiday season!

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

Are you putting lights or other decor on your house for the holidays? More than 86% of Americans decorate their homes as part of their winter holiday celebrations, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, or ESFI. For many, the allure of draping a home in bright, twinkling bulbs and adorning the yard with giant blow-up reindeer is irresistible; but when it comes to holiday decorating, stockings aren’t the only things that should be hung with care. Take extra caution when decorating this season so you can continue to do so for years to come.       

1. Put preparation before pizzazz.
   Take proper steps to ensure your home is ready for the holiday glitz. For instance, clean dried leaves out of gutters before hanging that first string of lights. Hot lights resting on dry leaves can create a fire hazard. Check new and old light strings and decor for things like frayed wires, damaged insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and loose connections. Throw out and replace damaged sets.
    
2. Climb with care.
   41% of holiday decorating injuries involve falls, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Inspect ladders for loose or missing screws, hinges, bolts, or nuts before using. If hanging lights or other electric decor, make sure the ladder is fiberglass or wooden, as metal ladders conduct electricity! Also check the ladder’s height–if you’re tiptoeing from the top rung to reach your roof, you’re in danger! To be safe, your ladder should extend at least three feet past the edge of your roof.   
    
3. Be bright about lights.
   Across the U.S., holiday lights are to blame for 160 home structure fires each year and $9 million in direct property damage, according to ESFI.              
   
   Did you know that incandescent bulbs generate most of their energy in heat? Newer, more modern LED lights are much cooler to the touch. LED lights are made with epoxy lenses, not glass, and are much more durable. Additionally, they last 25 times longer and use at least 75 percent less energy than their incandescent counterparts, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
   
   To give mother earth and your electricity bill a bigger break, install an outdoor timer to automatically turn your lights on and off. Oh, and if replacing bulbs or fuses, always unplug first!    
    
4. Educate yourself on extension cords.
   3,300 residential fires in the U.S. are caused by faulty extension cords each year, resulting in 50 deaths and 270 injuries, according the CPSC. When decking the halls for the holidays, there are more important things to worry about than hiding gawky extension cords from view. Never plug cords into one another, make sure that cords are rated for their intended use, and keep them clear of snow and standing water. Your decor’s power needs should match the amperage rating on the extension cord packaging or label.    
                
5. Don’t overwhelm outlets.
   Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many decorations or electrical devices, which can spark a fire. Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). If circuits are not GFCI-protected, portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased at most local hardware stores.

During the holiday season, emergency rooms nationwide are flooded with victims of holiday decor gone wrong. During the months of November and December, U.S. hospitals treat an average of 230 injuries per day due to decor mishaps. Please be safe so this season can stay a jolly one!

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

Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) announced today that LaRue County farmer Ryan Bivens has been named its 2024 Generation Bridge Advocate of the Year.

KFB’s Generation Bridge Advocate of the Year award recognizes an individual between the ages of 36 and 49 who demonstrates strong leadership within Farm Bureau, is involved in their community, and advocates for agriculture at the local, state and federal level.

In 1994, Bivens started his farming career with 34 acres of soybeans on rented land in Spencer County. He later moved to LaRue County and began farming there in 2002. Today, he and his wife, Misty, own and manage Fresh Start Farms, where they raise corn, soybeans and wheat on land they own and rent across two counties in Central Kentucky. Ryan Bivens manages the operation, employees, capital allocation, and 1.4 million bushels’ worth of grain storage. The couple has two sons, Cyrus and Avery.

Bivens has developed strong relationships with elected leaders from local and surrounding counties, Frankfort and Washington, D.C. On his farm, he has hosted town hall meetings, field days, tours and listening sessions with everyone from students and community members to influential leaders, including the Kentucky Joint Interim Ag Committee and commonwealth’s Secretary of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The Bivens have often opened up their farm to host events such as the inaugural LaRue County Farm Bureau AgStravaganza event, which brought together over 1,000 residents to learn about the role agriculture plays in the community while enjoying an evening of food and entertainment. Other community events the farm has hosted include the local FFA’s Ag Appreciation Day, the local Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet, farm and fire safety training, grain safety device testing and many more. He also visits local schools regularly to educate the next generation about farming as a career.

Bivens has been an active member of the LaRue County Farm Bureau board for more than 20 years. He has served as Young Farmer chair, board secretary, vice president and president, as well as numerous committee positions. He has also assisted with the office’s countywide agriculture tour and is crucial to the success of its farm-to-table dinner.

“Ryan is extremely deserving of this award,” said Dale Dobson, LaRue County Farm Bureau President. “I really can’t think of a better advocate for agriculture not only in LaRue County, but in the state of Kentucky and the nation. He is not only an exemplary farmer, but he is a model of what good advocating about agriculture should look like. He is an amazing person, who we are happy to have as a part of our county Farm Bureau board.”

LaRue County Farm Bureau nominated Bivens for this award. To download his photo, click HERE.

Cooking a Thanksgiving feast for your friends and family will cost less than last year but will still be more expensive than before the pandemic. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this year’s classic holiday feast for 10, which is $58.08 or about $5.80 per person.

This is a 5% decrease from 2023, which was 4.5% lower than 2022. Two years of declines don’t erase dramatic increases that led to a record high cost of $64.06 in 2022. Despite the encouraging momentum, a Thanksgiving meal is still 19% higher than it was in 2019, which highlights the impact inflation has had on food prices – and farmers’ costs – since the pandemic.

The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey – helped bring down the overall cost of dinner. The average price for a 16-pound turkey is $25.67. That is $1.68 per pound, down 6% from last year.

Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers checked prices Nov. 1-7, before most grocery store chains began featuring whole frozen turkeys at sharply lower prices. According to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service data, the average per-pound feature price for whole frozen turkeys declined further during the second week of November. Consumers who have not yet purchased a turkey may find additional savings in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.

“The turkey is traditionally the main attraction on the Thanksgiving table and is typically the most expensive part of the meal,” said AFBF Economist Bernt Nelson. “The American turkey flock is the smallest it’s been since 1985 because of avian influenza, but overall demand has also fallen, resulting in lower prices at the grocery store for families planning a holiday meal.”

The shopping list for Farm Bureau’s informal survey includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream, all in quantities sufficient to serve a gathering of 10.

Most ingredients in the survey saw a decline in prices, including fresh vegetables. The drop in prices reflects price volatility in crops this year. The cost of whole milk dropped more than 14%. Favorable weather contributed to the decline in milk pricing. It is important to note, however, that milk prices vary significantly between regions in the U.S.

Items like dinner rolls and cubed stuffing both saw an 8% increase because higher labor costs, among other drivers, are increasing the cost of processed food. Cranberry prices increased almost 12% year-over-year. In 2023, cranberries had the second largest decrease in price of any products in our basket at 18%. The increase this year puts cranberry prices closer to historic norms and, excluding last year, is the least expensive year since 2015.

“We should all be thankful that we live in a country with such an abundant food supply,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We are seeing modest improvements in the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for a second year, but America’s families, including farm families, are still being hurt by high inflation.”

“America has one of the most affordable food supplies in the world. In order to maintain that, we need a strong farm bill which enables Americans to pursue their dreams without worrying about feeding their families,” Duvall said.  “A new farm bill with a modernized safety net to support those who raise crops and livestock ensures farmers can survive tough economic times and continue to supply food for America’s families, not just for the holidays, but year-round.”

In recognition of changes in Thanksgiving dinner traditions, the Farm Bureau price survey also includes boneless ham, Russet potatoes and frozen green beans, in an expanded menu. Adding these foods to the classic Thanksgiving menu increased the overall cost by $19.26, to $77.34.

This year’s national average cost was calculated using surveys completed with pricing data from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers checked prices in person and online using grocery store apps and websites. They looked for the best possible prices without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or combined purchase deals.

The AFBF Thanksgiving dinner survey was first conducted in 1986. The informal survey provides a record of comparative holiday meal costs over the years. Farm Bureau’s classic survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.

Individual Prices

16-pound turkey: $25.67 or $1.68 per pound (down 6.1%)

14-ounces of cubed stuffing mix: $4.08 (up 8.2%)

2 frozen pie crusts: $3.40 (down 2.9%)

Half pint of whipping cream: $1.81 (up 4.7%)

1 pound of frozen peas: $1.73 (down 8.1%)

1 dozen dinner rolls: $4.16 (up 8.4%)

Misc. ingredients to prepare the meal: $3.75 (down 5.1%)

30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix: $4.15 (down 6.5%)

1 gallon of whole milk: $3.21 (down 14.3%)

3 pounds of sweet potatoes: $2.93 (down 26.2%)

1-pound veggie tray (carrots & celery): $.84 (down 6.4%)

12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries: $2.35 (up 11.8%)

Regional Averages

AFBF analysis revealed regional differences in the cost of the meal. The cost for the classic meal was the most affordable in the South at $56.81, followed by the Northeast at $57.36, the Midwest at $58.90, and then a significant jump in the West at $67.81. The expanded meal (classic meal plus boneless ham, Russet potatoes and green beans) was the most affordable in the South at $81.07, the Northeast at $81.37, the Midwest at $83.04, and least affordable in the West at $94.09.