Why KFB?

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

Working together to ensure the presence of farms for the future.

Agriculture Census data has indicated that, over a 20-year period, Kentucky has lost 17,000 farms and 1.4 million acres of farmland. Those daunting figures led to the creation of the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative (KFTI), introduced by Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) in April 2024. For more than a year now, this initiative has made strides in protecting agricultural land in Kentucky.

Legislatively, House Bill 703 was introduced by State Representative Myron Dossett to make changes to the Kentucky Selling Farmer Tax Credit, making the credit work for more farmers and provide greater certainty for sellers. Provisions of this bill were included in HB 775, which received final passage and became law.

Nationally, the recent introduction of legislation by Kentucky U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, known as the Protecting American Farmlands Act (PAFA), will take farmland transition to a new level.

But with any program or project of this magnitude, a support network is incredibly important to its success, according to KFB President Eddie Melton.

“From the very beginning, it has been our intention that KFTI would be a collaboration of agriculture organizations and commodity groups coming together to help find solutions to this growing need to protect our valuable farmland for the future,” he said. “Success won’t be measured in days, weeks, or months, but in generations to come.”

A critical component to the initiative has been the creation of a network of support organizations to help farmland transition efforts. KFB Commodity Division Director Renee Carrico has been instrumental in putting that network together. Currently, 28 organizations, all of which have “skin in the game,” have agreed to participate in these efforts to keep valuable farmland in production.  

“As I speak to groups throughout the state, I regularly mention the KFTI Network and the ease of becoming a member,” she said. “The commitment is simple: share ideas and issues related to farmland transition with the network members on our group calls and agree to sharing information gained from the group to your organization members.”

Carrico added that the network members range from commodity organizations and agricultural lenders to universities and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

“It is the diversity of the group that makes it so impactful,” she said. “Many times, an idea from one end of the state can spur a thought on the other.”

Carrico noted a great example of this is when woodland owners suggested that landowners, not just farmers, be targeted toward educational efforts of the initiative since most tree farmers only harvest a crop once a decade at best.

“The mention of the word landowner started the ball rolling from the Soybean Association to target informational materials to out of town (or state) landowners who own the ground local farmers lease. It is this kind of collaborative thinking that leaves no rock unturned in an initiative challenged to tackle a large issue,” Carrico said. “Kentucky historically has had many successful initiatives and pieces of legislation that have positively impacted agriculture. We strive for the KFTI Network to be a collaboration added to that list and attributed to organizational cooperation.”

The word from some of the KFTI member organizations’ leaders
(editor’s note: More to come soon from other KFTI members in the KFB News magazine.)

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell,  the Kentucky Department of Agriculture

"No one can solve this challenge alone. That’s why being part of the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative network is so important. It brings together stakeholders from across the state to share ideas, resources, and solutions that help keep Kentucky farmland in production. Collaboration like this is how we make real, lasting progress. I want to thank Kentucky Farm Bureau for making this a priority and for spearheading the initiative—your leadership is helping protect the future of agriculture in our state."

"Good policy makes a real difference on the ground. Whether it's state-level efforts or national legislation, we’ve got to keep working together to move the needle. When agriculture has a unified voice, lawmakers take notice—and that’s how we get commonsense solutions passed that support farmland transition and secure our agricultural future."

 "If we’re serious about farmland transition, we’ve got to be just as serious about bringing the next generation back to the farm. Young people need to see a future in agriculture that’s viable, rewarding, and sustainable. Supporting beginning farmers and creating pathways for them to step into leadership is absolutely critical to keeping our ag industry strong for generations to come."

Mark Barker, Senior Vice President, Agricultural Lending, Farm Credit Mid-America

“Farmland transition is not just important; it is vital for the continued growth and longevity of agriculture in Kentucky.  As a cooperative that exists to secure the future of rural communities and agriculture, Farm Credit Mid-America is doing our part to participate in programs and initiatives that help farmland stay in the hands of Kentucky farmers for generations to come.”

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution to keeping as much farmland as possible in active production. It will take collaboration across Kentucky’s ag industry to identify and create solutions. We applaud Kentucky Farm Bureau for championing the cause, leading this collaborative effort and for inviting us to join this network of supporters.” 

“Agriculture benefits the most when we all work together toward a shared goal. There are multiple programs and initiatives that must happen to solve this issue, and we think it is great when our policymakers are willing to introduce legislation that will help. We’ve seen several other states passing legislation designed to help to lower the barriers to farmland ownership. We are proud to support such efforts in Kentucky.”

Niki Ellis, Executive Director, Kentucky Pork Producers Association

“Kentucky’s pork producers have a pillar of focus in their strategic plan titled “Farm Level Success”. This pillar focuses on the importance of creating successes for the longevity of farming operations as well as opening pathways for new and beginning farmers. Our producers have faced many trials including volatile markets and lack of access to working capital. These trials have put even more of an importance on transition planning. The entire agricultural community has securing the safety of farmland as top of mind. The annual increase in property pricing has increased the need for programs like the Farmland Transition Initiative. Swine farming families are proud to support an initiative that is in place to add longevity and offer opportunity for beginning farmers.”

 “The goal of preserving farmland isn’t the priority of one association, it’s the goal of Kentucky agriculture as a whole. Decreasing farmland is a problem for all production types, no matter the size. KFTI is an example of how Kentucky’s agriculture community is stronger together. Once that farmland is lost, it will not go back into production. No matter the situation, once you lose the presence it’s hard to ever get that back. Farming is one of the most inaccessible careers paths. The upfront cost is steep, and farmers’ success is dictated by markets that rely on factors as volatile as the weather. This makes it difficult to approach a lender with the intention to buy property and compete against a developer planning to build a housing development on the same acreage.”

“Working together can help farming families get further, faster. Standing united shows policy makers, the true strength of the agricultural community, and shows the need for urgency to get policy established. Our policy makers speak on the importance of farming and agriculture. By supporting or building policy to protect farmland transition, they can truly put action to their words and continue their support.”

To see a full list of KFTI Network members, go to https://www.kyfarmlandtransition.com/about.

After the rains, early expectations place corn at the top.

The agriculture economy relies heavily on the production of crops and all the moving parts that surround commodities from the field to the bank. Each year, the USDA's National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) releases a national planting intentions report and individual state reports.

The latest of these came on March 31, just as planting season was beginning, and for Kentucky farm families, just as one of the worst weather weeks in years swept through and changed many farmers' plans to be in their fields.

If the weather cooperates from this point forward (this is being written in mid-April), whatever strategy each producer had in place for their respective operations will likely not change. However, for those who plant on river bottom land or for those who saw excessive flooding in the crop fields, adjustments may need to be made in relation to what Mother Nature has in mind for the next several weeks.

As it currently stands, Kentucky producers intend to plant 1,600,000 acres of corn this year, which, if it all comes to fruition, will be one of the largest crops, acreage-wise, since 2012. It may come as a surprise to some that in 1926, a much larger corn crop was planted in this state. That year, the number of planted acres stood at 3,069,000, according to David Knopf, Regional Director, USDA Nass Eastern Mountain Region and Northeastern Region. The largest number of harvested acres on record is 2,925,000, also in 1926.

Taylor Thompson, KFB Federation Commodity Marketing Specialist, said as the years have passed and farmers have become adept at getting the most out of their harvested acreage, today’s 1.6 million acres of planted corn will roughly yield seven times what was realized in the harvest of 1926.

“It’s amazing how productive our farmers have become through the years thanks to their tenacity and willingness to learn more and how to get the most yield from their crops,” he said. “Of course, advanced technology and the amount of research that has been conducted over the years has also played a major role in our ag production numbers.”

Looking at it from a historical perspective, in 2024, Kentucky corn producers harvested 1,280,000 acres, with an average yield per acre of 178, which added up to 227,840,000 total bushels.

"In 1926, based on the number of harvested acres, and the average yield per acre (27.5 bushels), the total production for that year would have been 80,438,000 bushels," he said. "To say we have become more productive on the farm in the last 100 years is a gross understatement."

Kentucky Planting Intention NASS report highlights for grain: 

• Growers intend to plant 1,600,000 acres of corn in 2025, up almost 17 percent from last year and equal to the number of acres planted in 2023.
• Aside from 2023, this is the largest corn acreage since 2012, when 1,650,000 acres were planted.
• Farmers plan to plant 1,850,000 acres of soybeans in 2025, down 10 percent from last year, but up one percent from 2023. Planted acreage over the past 10 years has averaged 1,876,000.
• Farmers seeded 500,000 acres of winter wheat this past fall, down almost 11 percent from a year ago and the fewest acres since 2019.

The economics of it all

As with any product one sells, be it from the farm or the factory, there must be a buying market for those products. The commodities’ markets, however, can be quite complex, but the basic principles remain the same.

In exploring what the recent planting intention report denotes, the one thing that immediately stands out is the 17 percent increase in intended corn planting over the 2024 crop. 

Many of the planting decisions follow a farm’s crop rotation plan. But market conditions also contribute.

 “There's been a lot of incentive in the market for folks to plant corn when we look from a price perspective at the competitiveness of corn relative to soybeans,” Thompson said. “That's something that our growers, and growers throughout the U.S., have kept an eye on. As the USDA information indicates, it's looking like people are going to plant more corn relative to beans. That's been led a lot by the market indicators, the futures prices that we've seen.”

Thompson noted that crop producers continually look at the markets as a way to incentivize their planting intentions.

“We've seen corn perform pretty well here, not only as of late but earlier on in the year, and for a lot of folks, that's pretty attractive given some of the challenges they are seeing in the soybean markets,” he said. “We also have to factor in trade issues and our customers outside of the U.S.”

While American farmers are still regarded as the most effective and safest producers in the world, international trade can play a huge role in planting decisions.

“There's a lot of competitiveness out of South America for the soybean market, and our trade relations with China factor into this,” Thompson said.  “Farmers understand this clearly, and are very sensitive to trade, understanding the challenges that are out there.”

Thompson added that when you take these price dynamics into play, growers in this country are looking not only in the short term but factor in what rotations may look like for years to come.

While export markets are a crucial component for this country’s agricultural industry, Thompson said there are many domestic market opportunities, as well, including the livestock sector. According to information from the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment where, by some estimates, 60 percent of the state's corn crop is used for livestock feed.

“From the grains perspective, it is so vital to what we do to have a strong livestock industry. And we’ve got a dynamic livestock sector,” he said. “In thinking more broadly about how we are going to trade internationally in light of current events, if there's going to be international relations that are going to be impacted, let's sell more in-house.”

One such opportunity on the horizon in the beginning stages is the use of domestic fuel stocks, such as grain for synthetic aviation fuel (SAF).

“This would be a new market source and a huge market for our grain producers,” Thompson said. “We have a long way to go with that, but there are exciting opportunities domestically that we can work toward.” 

KFB's 2024 Excellence in Ag Winner is taking her love of agriculture beyond the farmgate.

Bethany Mattingly grew up on a farm, understanding the hard work it takes to keep it going and gathering an appreciation of what lessons farm life can teach.

In fact, her love for agriculture paved a career pathway for her, on and off the farm.

“I grew up on a family farm where we grew tobacco, along with some row crops when I was younger,” she said. “One of my big projects growing up was taking care of the bottle calves we had. We moved more into beef production and hay as I got older. But it was when I joined FFA in high school that I found my passion for agriculture education and advocacy work, which led me to be an ag teacher.”

After graduating from Eastern Kentucky University, Mattingly began her education career at Seneca High School in Jefferson County, holding that position for 12 years.

“That program had been around since the 1980s or so, but they were looking for a way to add more people to the program, more students and more opportunities,” she said. “In completing the Excellence in Ag application, the majority of the information I included told the story of what happened to transform Seneca's agriculture education program into the success it is today. That was a great story to be a part of and it was a great story to tell.”

While her time at Seneca came to a close, her work in ag education would continue into her role today as Division Director of Agriculture Education and Outreach in the Office of Agriculture Marketing at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.   

“One of the first things I had the opportunity to work on in this position was our recent Agriculture Education Week for the State of Kentucky,” Mattingly said. “It has been thrilling to be a part of that, and it's been a great experience working with Commissioner [Jonathan] Shell to get the message across about agriculture education and the power it has for the future of the agriculture industry—not just for those in the industry, but for all consumers."

As passionate as she is about education, Mattingly’s first love was the farm, something that she has carried with her all of her life.

"I may have started thinking about having my own farm possibly since birth," she said with a laugh. "I've thoroughly enjoyed the farm and used to go to school and talk about bottle-feeding calves, and going up to the loft in the barn and finding baby kittens. I've always loved working with the calves and the animals.”

Mattingly said she realized how much she craved the farm life when she moved into a college dorm room on Eastern Kentucky University’s campus.

“There was just so much concrete, and I needed to be around green,” she said. “When you grow up in the middle of a farm, you can feel the trees, and the sky, and the clouds, and the grass, and the animals, and everything. There's just a calmness that comes from being there.”

Mattingly said as she progressed with her career in agriculture education, she began looking for a farm to call her own.  

“It took me about four years before I found the right spot,” she said. “I bought a little six-acre farm that had a barn and a house. It wasn't a perfect situation, but I could at least get something started. And once I got started, I knew it was exactly what I was missing."

It was on that farm that Mattingly began her other career as a farmer… more specifically, a sheep farmer.

"I bought my first small flock of Gotland sheep on that farm, and one of the reasons I got into sheep was because we have so many people who are doing smaller farms where they just want to homestead and provide for their family, and sheep are a great way to do that. They help maintain the land but can also provide things like meat, milk, and wool, and they're a little bit more manageable if you haven't worked with livestock before."

Mattingly sold that first farm about three years ago and moved on to something bigger: 40 acres and many more sheep.

“This is about my third year at the new farm in Henry County, and I went from 18 sheep on those six acres to 70 breeding ewes and some rams,” she said. “I'm very proud of it but still have a lot of work to do and a lot of room to grow, but I'm excited with where I'm going in the future.”

Mattingly’s firsthand experience with ag education, advocacy, and farming has been instrumental in communicating the importance of agriculture to those who have no connection to a farm.

“I used to tell my students you can't go five seconds without being impacted by agriculture,” she said. “Whether it's the chair you're sitting in, the pencil in your hand, or the air you breathe, you are absolutely being impacted by agriculture constantly.”

Mattingly serves as an example of how even the smallest farms can lead to big impacts and can provide opportunities for a new generation looking to find their pathway to the farm.

“There's nothing that we have anymore that you cannot tie to agriculture in some way,” she said. “It's that big of a part of our lives, and we must preserve it so that we can continue having those resources that we need.”

Outdoor enthusiasts, young families, and roadside stop aficionados will adore the versatility of Barren County, Kentucky.

The county’s extensive karst geology makes it a hot spot for caves. No matter the weather, a cave tour is a great option—the temperature remains around 58°F, a welcome reprieve from the sweltering heat of Kentucky’s summers and a bit of a warm-up on a freezing winter day. There are several unique underground worlds to discover in Barren County. Explorers have been visiting Diamond Caverns for more than 165 years. These caverns are known for their dazzling array of glittering formations, thus the name. Guided one-hour tours are offered year-round, but be warned: This tour is considered strenuous! If you’re looking for something a little more easygoing, the folks at Jesse James Riding Stables & Outlaw Cave host 30-minute, non-strenuous cave tours that are wheelchair accessible. Crystal Onyx Cave, established in 1960, is family-owned and operated, and their passion shines through! Visitors rave about the dedicated guides and fun experience. The area’s most well-known underground attraction, Mammoth Cave, spans several counties, with the majority of the National Park located right over the county line in Edmonson County.

Back above ground, lake lovers will enjoy Barren River Lake State Resort Park. The 10,000-acre Barren River Lake serves as the centerpiece for a 51-room lodge, complete with a restaurant, pool, tennis courts, 18-hole golf course, and more. Rent a pontoon or a kayak from Barren River State Dock and explore the lake by boat, or relax on the beach, cast a line, or bike along the two-and-a-half-mile paved loop. Nearby, the old growth forests of Brigadoon State Nature Preserve are home to rare wildflowers and more than 120 bird species.

Barren County is a mecca for making memories with kids. At Mammoth Valley Park, you can take a scenic chairlift ride to the top of a mountain and then ride an alpine slide back down. Zipline through lush woodlands and over open meadows or tackle an aerial challenge course at Adventures of Mammoth Cave. Meander among giants and pose for epic family photos at Dinosaur World, which features more than 150 larger-than-life replicas in a natural setting. In warmer months, rent a cabin or pitch a tent at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park ™,  a kid-centric campground with an inflatable waterpark, two swimming pools, and daily activities such as dance parties, movie nights, and tie-dye workshops. For a unique overnight stay, sleep in a wigwam at Historic Wigwam Village No. 2, an eye-catching roadside attraction. The village is one of only three surviving Wigwam Villages of seven built around the country before 1950. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is undergoing renovation to bring it back to its 1930s splendor and authenticity. 

While Barren County’s natural offerings are aplenty, there’s a lot of fun to be had in town, as well. Before your big day of adventure, grab some caffeine and a bite on the square at Fine Arts Bistro or The Hive Coffee & Bakehouse. Locals love Ritter House and Gale n Dale’s, and for good reason! Enjoy southern cooking served up with a side of southern hospitality at one of these buzzing diners, both serving breakfast and lunch only. For dinner, stop into A Little Taste of Texas, known for its ribeye sandwiches and pecan cobbler, or grab a specialty hot dog at The Dog Pound Restaurant and Smokehouse.

For entertainment, check the events calendar at the well-preserved Plaza Theatre, a downtown Glasgow mainstay since 1934. The Grove is an outdoor venue that hosts live music among the cedar trees every Friday and Saturday night, and Yancey’s Gastropub & Brewery is a lively little spot in a historic building, complete with a rooftop amphitheater. 

Of course, while you are in the area, be sure to visit one of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Certified Farm Markets in Barren County: Britt’s Orchard, Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese, and Sidden Farms Beef.

Hometown agents. Because personal service still matters.

For your convenience, Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance has insurance agents located in Barren County. Click here for more information.

The 120 is a blog series produced by Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance highlighting each of Kentucky's 120 counties—because we're well-known for knowing Kentucky well.

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KFB Regional Teacher Workshops are held yearly and provide educators training and professional development opportunities designed to better enable them to incorporate agriculture into their daily core curriculum. More specifically, teachers learn the value of using agricultural related material to teach Mathematics, Social Studies, English, and Science through real life application.

2025 Workshop Information Coming Soon

The Excellence in Agricultural Literacy Award is designed to recognize and reward teachers who excel in their efforts to incorporate agricultural concepts throughout their core academic studies. All certified pre-kindergarten through 12^th grade teachers who engage agriculture concepts into non-agricultural curriculum are eligible to apply.

Excellence in Ag Literacy Application

The third edition of Kentucky Farm Bureau's Kentucky Agriculture Facts booklet is now available online with updated statistics. Neatly organized to highlight key data from the state's major farm commodities, the booklet offers an overview of Kentucky's total agricultural impact while summarizing production levels, economic impact and national rankings for 14 different commodities. Hard copies of the full-color booklet are also available for purchase from the KFB Communications Division by calling (502) 495-5000. 

Kentucky Agriculture Facts Booklet 2025 

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