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25 years of redefining the state's agriculture industry

Over the last 25 years, Kentucky agriculture has gone through an extraordinary transforma­tion moving from a tobacco-dominant ag economy into one of the most diversified ag industries in the country.

A major part of the change comes due to the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund (KADF), created to disburse billions of dollars from the landmark Master Set­tlement Agreement (MSA) reached in 1998 between 46 states and five territories and tobacco companies to help cover current and future smoking-related health costs.

As part of the MSA, tobacco companies would provide annual funds to each of the states in perpetuity. Thanks to state leadership in Kentucky, the decision was made to reinvest half of those dollars into the state’s agriculture industry, a move that has transformed Kentucky’s ag sec­tor.

Brandon Reed has been a part of the process that brought about the forma­tion of the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy (KOAP) since its inception. He now serves as the office’s executive director.

“When the MSA took place, Kentucky had every other year sessions, which ba­sically meant that the legislature could not act upon the settlement until 2000,” he said. “Then-Governor Paul Patton and Agriculture Commissioner Billy Ray Smith travelled throughout the state to get input from farmers and other citizens as to what to do with these funds.”

Those conversations led to the estab­lishment of the Governor's Commission on Family Farms, comprised of 20 to 25 representatives, commodity groups and Farm Bureau, with one of the seats going to the state FFA president. Reed was serv­ing in that capacity at the time.

“I had an opportunity to sit on that seat and did so for the next eight years, from 1999 to 2007,” he said. “The early days of that commission were spent to ba­sically establish feedback from the perspective of the farmers as to what that money should be used for and how it could be invested in Kentucky.”

Based on the information gathered by the commis­sion, a report was presented to then-Governor Patton. From there, the state legislature passed House Bill 611, a historic piece of legislation that set up the KADF and created what was then known as the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy (GOAP). This office, originally overseen by the Governor’s office, transitioned to KOAP under the guidance of the Kentucky Department of Ag­riculture and through Senate Bill 3, which was passed by the state legislature in 2021.

“In the beginning, it took about a year and a half to set up everything, from the legislation including the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB), consisting of ag leaders and active farmers from across the state. But during that time, the MSA dollars were coming in,” Reed said. “So, when that board was es­tablished, they had almost $300 million to distribute.”

Board members began to examine the best way to distribute the funds. Once those guidelines were es­tablished, including setting up county councils to be overseen by University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment exten­sion agents, this new office and board were ready to change the face of Kentucky agriculture. Since its be­ginnings, the state has set a leading example as to how the funds are overseen and distributed.

“There aren’t too many other states that do any­thing close to what we do,” Reed said. “Basically, all that money goes into their general fund, it's lost, and they never see it again, but Kentucky had the fortitude and the resolve to set that fund up like it did, and now, close to $800 million in investments have been made throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

Reed has had the good fortune to have seen the KOAP evolve from its very beginnings, wearing many hats that have given him valuable experience in the agricul­ture industry, including being a lifelong farmer himself and also an ordained minister.

Reed most recently served as a Kentucky State Rep­resentative for 24th House District serving Hart, LaRue, and Green counties. As a member of the House, Reed served on various committees, including vice chair of House Appropriations and Revenue Committee, and House Committees on Agriculture; Local Government; and Tourism and Outdoor Recreation. He also served on the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee.

A QUARTER CENTURY OF AG INVESTMENTS

While the dollars received from the MSA have been game-changers for many Kentucky producers, the original agreement noted that annual funds to states would be based on cigarette sales, which have dimin­ished in the past 25 years. Again, the Kentucky Agricul­tural Development Board (KADB) had the foresight to create lasting opportunities for farm families.

One such program came by way of the Kentucky Ag­riculture Finance Corporation (KAFC). According to in­formation from the Kentucky Department of Agricul­ture, KAFC was created by statute in 1984 and, in 2002, the KADB, as part of the Long-term Plan for Agriculture Development, recommended that KAFC be restructured to provide capital access for agricultural diversification and infrastructure projects. The mission of [its] board is to strengthen Kentucky agricul­ture by providing access to low-in­terest loan programs through joint partnerships with local lending institutions. KAFC assists beginning farmers, farm families, and agri­businesses in obtaining the neces­sary capital to establish, maintain, or expand their agricultural oper­ation.

THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

Now, 25 years after HB 611 passed, it’s only fitting that KOAP begin a time of celebrating its past while keenly focusing on the fu­ture. The celebration began at the June KADB meeting, which fea­tured several displays from people showcasing their achievements thanks to the help of ag develop­ment funds. The Kentucky Proud program, which is funded by the KADF, was also front and cen­ter during the meeting. Reed said there will be other similar events throughout the year.

“We're launching the celebration this year and have another celebra­tion at the end of next year to bring it all together, but we'll do some regional events to partner with our extension agents through the county councils,” he said. “We're just excited to put a spotlight on this with the partners that we've had over the years and to showcase what the fund has done.”

Reed emphasized that there have been so many people who have served in the position he has today, on the board, and as commissioners who have gone above and be­yond to ensure the success of the office and the fund. From assisting new ventures to helping young and beginning farmers get a good start, he said what Kentucky has done is second to none.

“I think we're at a really good point right now for our silver an­niversary to see where we've been, where we are, where we need to go, and I think that's what this next year is all about,” Reed said.

In 2024, we reached a new mile­stone—$8.3 billion in agricultural cash receipts. That’s not just a number. It’s a clear reflection of the strength and innovation of Kentucky’s farm families. And it represents only a portion of ag­riculture’s estimated $49.6 billion im­pact on the state’s economy.

From poultry—our top farm com­modity—to beef cattle, where we lead the nation east of the Mississippi, to staple row crops like corn and soybeans that each generate over $1 billion annu­ally, Kentucky agriculture is a story of diversity, resilience, and growth. Nearly half of our total acreage is dedicated to agriculture, and no matter where you go in the Commonwealth, you’ll find it—on livestock farms, in greenhouses, and at bus­tling farmers’ markets. Agriculture is our way of life. It’s who we are.

But the agricultural landscape in Kentucky looked very different three decades ago. Back then, tobacco was king. It contributed nearly 25% of the state’s an­nual agricultural cash receipts. It defined small towns, seasons, and livelihoods. From planting to harvest, it marked the rhythm of life in rural Kentucky. Tobacco festivals, parades, and pageants were woven into our cultural fabric.

That began to shift in the late 1990s with the Tobac­co Master Settlement Agreement. Kentucky, along with other states, reached a landmark agreement with major tobacco companies. As part of that settlement, Kentucky committed to diversifying agriculture and helping farm families adapt to changing times.

Since the first payments were received, Kentucky has directed half of its $2.8 billion in settle­ment funds to Early Childhood Devel­opment and the Kentucky Health Care Improvement Fund. The other half has been invested in agricultural diversifi­cation—thanks to the work of the Ken­tucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB), the Kentucky Agricultural Fi­nance Corporation (KAFC), and the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy (KOAP).

These organizations, and the dedi­cated board members who serve them, have made it possible for our farmers to expand, innovate, and try new things. We’ve seen major investments in local food systems, agritech, and infrastructure that support a more resilient agricultural future.

Tobacco still plays a role in Kentucky’s economy. We continue to lead the nation in burley, fire-cured, and dark air-cured tobacco production. In 2023 alone, Ken­tucky tobacco generated more than $200 million in farm-level receipts. It’s a part of our story—and a part of our future.

But it’s no longer the only story.

Today, Kentucky’s agriculture is built on a founda­tion of innovation and diversification. We’ve embraced change to ensure our farmers not only survive but thrive. And as we mark 25 years of investing settlement funds into the diversification of Kentucky agriculture, we’re better positioned than ever to take on the challenges of the next 25.

We owe it to our farmers, our families, and future generations to keep pushing forward. Because in Ken­tucky, agriculture isn’t just an industry—it’s a legacy worth protecting and a future worth building.

Jonathan Shell
Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner

I have often spoken of the camping trips my wife and I take in our RV. I think glamping is actually the way to describe it. Regardless of the terminology, it is a time to relax and unwind from the real world. I especially enjoy mornings when I can sit outside with my favorite camping chair and savor my coffee while listening to the natural surroundings.

During a recent trip, the serenity of one peaceful morning was somewhat interrupted when several children, and at least one adult, began riding by on what appeared to be electric scooters.

I know there is a name for these, but just what their technical name is, I do not know. Now before you think I'm just being a grumpy old man, hear me out: It wasn't that these folks were making a lot of noise because they were not.

But what caught my attention was the fact that, while these contraptions looked like the old-fashioned scooters of my day, they seemed to be completely motorized, I assumed battery powered. I am surely behind the times when it comes to such things.

I became more enthralled with these modern-day scooters, the more of them I saw that day. And it seemed no matter where I went in the campground, there were more of them.

I believe every young person in the place had one of these fancy scooters or a motorized bicycle of sorts. I began to wonder if any of them had ever experienced the manual scooter version or a real bike you pedaled with your feet instead of charging with a cord.

I suddenly was taken back to when I got my first bicycle. My brother and I got matching stingray bikes for Christmas one year. For those who may not know what I’m talking about, these bikes had high handlebars and banana seats. Ours were green with a metallic-looking seat color and a wider-than-normal back tire.

We thought they were the coolest, and while we had to wait out winter that year, once spring and summer arrived, we rode those things daily… and sometimes all day.

My favorite bike memory was the time we built ramps from unused wood in the garage and cinder blocks. We had just seen a show at a local county fair where professional drivers wowed the crowd with numerous stunts, including launching their cars through the air on ramps.

We thought we would do the same with our souped up stingray bikes! And we did. We must have jumped those bikes a thousand times, each time going faster and jumping higher. I had never had so much fun. Momma wasn’t too happy when she realized what we were doing, and it was by the grace of God, we didn’t break any bones. But we built a memory in those hot summer days that suddenly jumped back into my brain during our camping trip.

I do not advocate that anyone becomes a stunt driver on their bikes, especially with those electrical ones, but it was awfully nice to take a visit back to my boyhood riding those stingrays, down the backroads.

LION Group, Inc.'s V-Force turnout gear was recently named the 'Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky' in tournament-style contest

It turns out that the coolest thing made in Kentucky is used in some very hot situations. LION Group, Inc.’s V-Force® turnout gear, which protects firefighters in the U.S. and across the globe and is manufactured in the Kentucky com­munities of West Liberty, Beattyville, and Hazel Green, has won the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers’ (KAM's) 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Tour­nament presented by Kentucky Farm Bureau Insur­ance in a two-month long contest that garnered more than 320,000 votes.

LION V-Force turnout gear defeated Texas Roadhouse Mini Rolls, made by T. Marzetti Company in Horse Cave, Kentucky, by a 57%-43% margin in the tournament fi­nals.

“Since 1959, Kentuckians have been sewing and dis­tributing LION’s high-performance uniforms and pro­tective garments to first responders around the world. But our history is not just about nearly 70 years of sewing products in Kentucky; it's about the dedication, passion, creativity, and hard work of our more than 600 Ken­tucky-based manufacturing team members,” said Steve Schwartz, CEO and fourth-generation family owner of LION Group. “They hand-sew each set of V-Force turn­out gear we ship to firefighters that protects them in extreme conditions so they can protect their commu­nities. Knowing that what they create is cherished and celebrated as the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky fills all of our hearts with immense pride.”

Now in its third year, the annual online voting, brack­et-style tournament gives Kentuckians the opportunity to pick their favorite from among the thousands of world-class products manufactured in the commonwealth.

A FIRSTHAND PERSPECTIVE

Alan Perkins has been an employee at LION Group, Inc. since 1985, making him one of the longest tenured employees at the West Liberty facility. But perhaps more important is the fact that Perkins, during many of these years, has also been a county first responder.

“I was born and raised in Morgan County, and I start­ed working at our local ambulance service in 1994,” he said. “I’ve also been a member of the county’s rescue squad.”

Perkins has worn LION’s gear during rescue mo­ments and knows firsthand how important it is to keep frontline workers safe.

“I’ve worn this gear and been protected by it,” he said. “And by working here and seeing all the places our gear goes to, I know it’s protecting those firefight­ers, too.”

Perkins added that everyone working for LION un­derstands that the gear they are making will help save the lives of first responders.

Diane Best is the site leader at LION’s Beattyville fa­cility. She has been with the company for more than 40 years.

“The company is family owned and has been in busi­ness for 127 years, with its headquarters in Dayton, Ohio,” she said. “There are three facilities in eastern Kentucky, and each of the plants have different jobs all connected in getting the finished garments ready to ship to firefighters and first responders around the world.”

Best added that V-Force was created to give maxi­mum comfort and mobility to firefighters who wear it.

“The comfort and mobility features that are built into the gear actually allows firefighters the ability to work comfortably,” she said. “When it was created, it was built to move like the human body moves.”

The Jessamine County Fire Department uses LION V-Force gear. Jason Walton is Fire District Assistant Chief. He said it is great to have such important fire­fighting gear made right here in the state.

“The departments of Kentucky are lucky to have a manufacturer like LION that knows the industry so well and has designed and tailored a set of personal protective equipment that matches what our needs are,” he said. “These are built to the highest standard and are above the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommendations. They build something that is far superior to just the minimum standard.”

When asked if he thinks his fellow firefighters are safer using the LION Group Inc.’s V-Force turnout gear, his reply was, “Most definitely.”

In 1986, Mar­tha Layne Collins was gov­ernor, Ferdinand won the Kentucky Derby, a gallon of gas averaged 86 cents, and Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) was about to embark on a youth program that would help shape the future of ag­riculture for decades to come.

The Institute for Future Agricul­tural Leaders (IFAL) brings rising high school seniors to a five-day event to educate them about the organization, acquaint them with the top agriculture issues of the day, and help them begin their leadership journeys.

Forty years later, the program re­mains as strong as ever and boasts a who's-who of today's top state leaders in agriculture, local and state government, and county Farm Bureaus, spanning all 120 counties.

Taylor Nash, IFAL class of 2015, now oversees the program as the KFB Federation’s Director of Young Farmer programs. He said the goal of IFAL is to help students see how they can fit agriculture into their future through a variety of activi­ties.

“The students come to spend a week with us at one of our partic­ipating universities (the University of Kentucky and Murray State Uni­versity) to help expose them to col­lege, experience what it's like to be on campus, help them see how they can fit agriculture into their futures by taking them on ag-related vis­its and participating in agricultural discussions.”

Nash noted the importance of a program like IFAL as a way to get young people involved in Farm Bu­reau, as well.

“These students are the future of our industry, and, in many ways, they're already leading it at their age, and so we want to find a way to help engage them and help set them up with the resources that come with being involved with KFB,” he said.

Like so many others who have become IFAL alumni, Nash said his experience made a lasting impres­sion on him.

“As a student, I loved it and it was the first time that I ever left home by myself,” he said. “I'd been involved in FFA and gone with my school to various places and events, but this was the solo trip for me and where I was pushed out of my comfort zone to get to meet new people. And I would've never guessed the people that I met there. Now I get to work with them in dif­ferent capacities.”

Nash noted that many people who were involved in his IFAL group have gone on to leadership roles at all levels and serve as resources for him in his present position.

A FAMILY TRADITION

LaRue County Farm Bureau Pres­ident Jeremy Hinton, a 1991 IFAL participant, began a tradition for his children, as two of them have now gained the title of IFAL alum­ni. Jacob attended in 2021, while Joslyn just completed her time as a participant.

Jeremy said the program helped shape his college experience and steered him toward agriculture in Farm Bureau.

“At the time, I wasn’t for sure about what college to go to or what I wanted to major in, but attending IFAL helped to solidify my decision to attend UK and major in agri­culture,” he said. “It also planted seeds for my future in Farm Bu­reau.”

Jeremy, who also serves as Chair of the Kentucky Horticulture Coun­cil, owns two farm markets as part of his overall farming operation, which includes traditional crops such as soybeans and tobacco.

“I hope my children have had the same experience I did while attending IFAL, to motivate them to be involved in the agriculture industry in whatever way they are able,” he said, “I know they have made friendships that will last them a lifetime.”

Joslyn said having a brother and father who attended IFAL helped her to know more about the pro­gram.

“I knew quite a bit about IFAL, and I think it was a good opportu­nity for me,” she said.

Joslyn already has some farm­ing business experience growing mums for her family’s markets.

“I think that the people I'm meeting here are definitely going to stay in touch in the future and be of help with whatever I decide to do,” she said. “Just making those connections with people around the state is important.”

While many programs of this sort come and go over the years, IFAL has stood the test of time.

“I'm not surprised this program has endured through time, and when I think about my experience as a participant and just knowing how many students have gotten that opportunity since,” Nash said. “IFAL has had such an impact on so many over the 40 years of the pro­gram, and it has shaped Kentucky agriculture throughout the years and will continue to do so for years to come.”

Nash added that there are many people and organizations that have helped to contribute to the success of IFAL.

“Honestly, I think it's the people we have who are a part of it and the community support that we have,” he said. “We can't go out and create this experience without the farmers and the universities that we get to work with. We have a lot of people here that believe in the future of ag and it starts with these students, and every year we renew that ex­citement for what's going to come for agriculture through IFAL.”

Farm Bureau advocates for American farmers in front of key Senate committee

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall recently testified in front of the Senate Special Com­mittee on Aging to discuss the issue of an elderly farm­er population and what can be done to bring a new generation to the agriculture industry. The hearing was entitled, “The Aging Farm Workforce: America’s Van­ishing Family Farms.”

Duvall was joined by Jim Alderman of Alderman Farms in Florida; Aaron Locker, managing director of Kincannon and Reed, an executive search and leader­ship development firm that works with organizations that feed the world; and Dr. Chris Wolf, E.V. Baker Pro­fessor of Agricultural Economics and Director of Land Grant Affairs at Cornell University.

“As I travel to farms across this country, I see a lot of gray hair, and while the wisdom of older genera­tions is critical, we must ensure that we are making the way for young and beginning farmers to fill our boots,” Duvall said. “As this committee has identified, there are many challenges facing the agriculture com­munity, but there are also opportunities for Congress to support young and beginning farmers, including with a new Farm Bill.”

Duvall spoke of the need for a modernized, five-year Farm Bill earlier this year before the Senate Agriculture Committee.

“Farmers and ranchers have faced unprecedented volatility since the 2018 Farm Bill, making it harder for many to hold on,” he said in this most recent Senate hearing. “The 2022 census showed the loss of just over 141,000 farms in 5 years … that’s an average of 77 per day.”

Duvall added that, with rising interest rates, high­er energy prices, and unchecked supply costs, farmers will plant one of the most expensive crops ever.

“And many will face the tough decision of whether to plant at all,” he emphasized. “This is why the Farm Bill’s Title I safety net is critical.”

In his opening statement, Committee Chair Rick Scott (R-FL) said Congress has not always done right by our farmers.

“The major legislative package aimed at sup­porting farmers and ag­ricultural workers, the Farm Bill, hasn't passed since 2018,” he said. “This is especially harm­ful for farmers who have suffered with rising pric­es for the last four years under the last adminis­tration.”

Scott added that while President Trump is hav­ing success in breaking down prices and fight­ing to support American farmers, he needs Con­gress to act as well, and passing a good Farm Bill is the right place to start.

“Otherwise, we will continue to use outdated information, which compounds the harm done by other economic and regulatory factors,” he said. “As a result, the burden increases on our aging farmers who want nothing more than to see their farm continue in trustworthy hands but are finding it harder and harder to find someone to carry on their legacy.”

The committee’s ranking mem­ber, Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), said, “Our farmers provide an accessible and abundant supply of food to our whole nation, but with increased consolidation and more farmlands being converted to non-agricultur­al uses, we are sending ourselves down a very risky path. Our duty in Congress should be to support our farmers whatever way we can.”

Each presenter spoke on several issues facing farmers and the ag industry, primari­ly focusing on the need to get more young farmers involved to alleviate some of the chal­lenges with an aging farmer population.

"If we want to sustain ag­riculture in America, we need to smooth the path between generations, which means in­vesting in beginning farmer programs, expanding tech­nical assistance, and offering incentives like estate plan­ning support and making it easier to transfer farms without losing the land or the legacy," Alderman said.

Locker noted several suggestions on how Congress can help address a growing shortage of younger ag­ricultural leaders. Passing a strong, fully funded Farm Bill was one of those suggestions.

“A comprehensive Farm Bill is the foundation of long-term sta­bility for the agriculture industry,” he said. “It empowers rural devel­opment, research development, re­search institutions, and workforce training programs to invest in the future with confidence.”

Duvall added that Congress needs to recognize farmworkers as essential to feeding and fueling our country. It’s time to modernize our outdated system, and only Con­gress can meaningfully do that.

“A country that cannot feed its people is not se­cure,” he said. “In order to meet the growing de­mand for food, fiber, and renewable fuel at home and abroad, we must ensure the continued strength of our farming and ranching communi­ties.”

After his opening state­ment, Duvall took ques­tions from lawmakers on several issues, includ­ing the Adverse Effect Wage Rate, which sets the hourly rate for H-2A guestworkers, the mental health crisis in rural America, interna­tional trade deals, and estate tax­es. Duvall noted that if farmers are forced to sell their land, the land comes out of production, resulting in it never returning to production.

“There’s so much competition now for land, it prevents young farmers and beginning farmers that want to go into agriculture, God help them, have a difficult time finding that land to do that,” he said. “Availability of land, avail­ability of money, loans, is one of the biggest stumbling blocks young farmers, beginning farmers have going into the business.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Farm Bureau is a voluntary organization operating under the code 501(c)5 not-for-profit guided and directed by our nearly 13,000 member families. We are committed to educating the public about agriculture, encouraging youth in advancing education and leadership skills and contributing to our community to make Fayette County the best place to live, work, raise a family and have a great quality of life.

OFFICERS

If you are involved in an auto accident, please tend to the safety of everyone involved first. Once it is safe to do so, there are some other actions you can take to help us process your auto claim.

• Seek medical attention if you are injured. There may be coverage available to you for this under your auto policy.
• Contact the local authorities. Obtain a police report if possible – even if the accident or damage is minor.
• Get details from all drivers and passengers involved. Count the total number of people in all vehicles involved in the accident and obtain their names, addresses, phone numbers and license plate numbers of any vehicles involved.
• Get the names, phone numbers and addresses of any witnesses present.
• If your vehicle is being towed, find out where. It’s important to get the phone number and location of the wrecker service that tows your vehicle or the repair facility that it’s taken to.
• Take photos at the scene if it is safe to do so. These can include:
  • Damage to the vehicles involved
  • Scene of accident
  • Please keep your safety in mind when taking photos and don’t put yourself at risk!
• Report the claim by calling your local Kentucky Farm Bureau Agent’s office or by calling the after-hours claims reporting hotline.

Download our Auto Loss Checklist

It's important that our members know what to do in the event of an auto accident. We offer a handy checklist that you can download, print, and keep in your vehicle for quick reference.

Let’s face it, insurance can be complex. Kentucky Farm Bureau is here to make it simple. 

Got a question? Choose a topic below to explore a list of common inquiries and their answers.

If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, KFB has 15 Regional Claim Offices throughout the state. Find a Regional Office near you.

First and foremost, make sure everyone in your family is safe, and get medical care if anyone has been injured.  Once it is safe to do so, there are some other actions you can take to help us process your claim.

• Contact the local authorities in the event of a theft loss or burglary claim. Obtain an incident report if possible – even if the damage is minor.
• If your home is damaged, take steps to secure it and protect it from further loss or damage. Protect your property by sealing broken windows, putting tarps over cracks or openings in exterior walls or the roof, and do whatever else you can to prevent additional damage.  Keep receipts for any materials you buy; those costs may be reimbursable if you have a covered loss.
• Report the claim by calling your local Kentucky Farm Bureau Agent’s office or by calling the after-hours claims reporting hotline.
• If your loss is severe or has many rooms affected, start preparing a room-by-room inventory of damages and lost property.  If you have the information, or remember it, include manufacturer names, model numbers, and purchase dates.
• If possible, do not dispose of any damaged items – especially if an item may be responsible for the loss. Examples of this could be a water heater or a stove. If a damaged item has to be disposed of because of personal safety or by order of the authorities, try to document it with photographs first.
• In the event of a widespread catastrophe, begin the process of selecting your contractor. We suggest that you seek out contractors who have a proven track record in your area.  To help ensure that you choose a reliable contractor:
  • Get references from any contractor you interview, and check them.
  • Contact your local Better Business Bureau for information about the contractors you’re considering.
  • Don’t sign a contract until you’ve reviewed it carefully and have agreed to payment terms. Deliver a copy of your contractor’s estimate to your KFB claims representative, who will review it, connect with your contractor to discuss differences and make any appropriate adjustments. Our estimate will be based on typical labor and materials rates in your community.

For more tips on choosing a contractor, click here for helpful information from the the Kentucky Attorney General’s office.

Download our Property Loss Checklist

It's important that our members know what to do in the event of property damage or loss. We offer a handy checklist that you can download, print, and keep in your home for quick reference.

When you’ve had an accident, Kentucky Farm Bureau will partner with you to handle your covered claim and help you get your vehicle repaired. To report a claim during normal business hours, please call your local Kentucky Farm Bureau Agent's office.

To report a claim during normal business hours:
Please call your local Kentucky Farm Bureau Agent's office

To report a new claim after business hours:
Please call our After-Hours Claims Reporting Hotline
1-866-KFB-Claim (1-866-532-2524)
4:30 p.m. until 9:00 a.m. (EST), Monday through Friday
24 hours on weekends and holidays

Above all else, make sure that you and everyone involved in the accident are safe before reporting your auto claim.

Whether you submit your claim during regular business hours or after hours, your report will be more complete if you have the following information available for the customer service representative:

• Your Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance auto policy number
• Name and contact phone number for all of the involved parties including:
  • Owner of your vehicle
  • Driver of your vehicle (if different)
  • Passengers in your vehicle
  • Owner and driver of any other vehicle involved in the accident
  • Witnesses
  • Any other involved parties, including the wrecker service or repair shop where your vehicle has been towed
• List of vehicles/property involved
• Date and time the loss occurred
• Location of the loss or accident
• A description of what happened
• Description of damage and/or injuries
• Police report number

To report a claim during normal business hours, please call your local Kentucky Farm Bureau Agent's office.

To report a new claim after business hours, please call:
After-Hours Claims Reporting Hotline
1-866-KFB-Claim (1-866-532-2524)
4:30 p.m. until 9:00 a.m. (EST), Monday through Friday
24 hours on weekends and holidays

Whichever reporting option you use, your report will be more complete if you have the following information available for the customer service representative:

• Date and time the loss occurred
• Location of loss or accident
• List of vehicles/property/people involved
• A description of what happened
• Names, addresses and phone numbers of all those involved
• Description of damage and/or injuries
• Police report number
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses
• Name and phone number for whom we should contact to discuss the claim

Important things to do when you have a loss:

• In case of an auto accident or a home burglary, call the police and obtain a police report–even if the loss or damage is minor.
• Notify Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance promptly.
• In an auto accident, get this information from others who are involved:
  • Names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers of vehicles involved, number of people in the vehicles.
  • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses.
• If your home is damaged, take steps to secure it and protect it from further damage or loss. If temporary repairs are required to provide the needed protection, you may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses you incur (check with your local agent.)

Download our Auto & Property Loss Checklists

It's important that our members know what to do in the event of an auto accident or property damage. We offer handy checklists that you can download, print, and keep in your vehicle or in your home for quick reference.