Kentucky Agricultural Council KAC News

Mackenzie Nichols Named Executive Secretary for Kentucky Ag Council

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 17:40:47 GMT

Kentucky Agricultural Council has appointed Mackenzie Nichols as the new Executive Secretary.

Mackenzie holds a bachelor's in Animal Sciences from the University of Kentucky and a master's in Agriculture from Murray State University. With a decade of experience in agricultural marketing, she has worked with organizations including Kentucky Cattlemen's Association, Kentucky Pork Producers, and Kentucky Soybean Association.

A native of Lexington, Mackenzie currently resides in Berea with her husband and two dogs. She enjoys spending time with family, watching her nieces show lambs, and needlepointing. Mackenzie looks forward to building relationships with KAC members and working on the Strategic Roadmap.

John and Randy Seymour Receive Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 21:06:07 GMT

John and Randy Seymour of Upton have been selected as the are the recipients of the 2025 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in the management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

John and Randy Seymour, who own Riders Mill Farms and Roundstone Native Seed LLC, were presented with the award at the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Convention on August 5. They receive $10,000 for being selected.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust will present Leopold Conservation Awards to landowners in 28 states this year. In Kentucky, the award is presented annually with the Kentucky Agricultural Council, and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the awards recognize farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Kentucky landowners were encouraged to apply, or be nominated, for the award this year. Applications were reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders from Kentucky. Among the many outstanding landowners nominated for the award were finalists Steve and Melanie Kelley of Carlisle County, and Dr. James “Greg” Kuhns of Bullitt County.

ABOUT JOHN AND RANDY SEYMOUR

Former tobacco fields, overgrown forests, and limestone outcroppings usually are not the makings of a conservation showplace. That is, unless you are talking about the father and son team of John and Randy Seymour.

Their original plan was to raise beef cattle, grow tobacco and row crops, and pursue timber production on land where others had struggled to make a living in remote northwest Hart County. The ravaged land was gullied and stripped of soil nutrients. Quality timber had been selectively stripped. Small, abandoned farms had been sold to others on speculation. Neglect had left the area ecologically damaged.

Undeterred, the Seymours spent four decades piecing together 28 parcels contoured with rolling hills, narrow valleys, and sandstone capped ridge tops into a 2,150-acre tract named Riders Mill Farms.

The Seymours dug 16 ponds to water cattle and protect the water quality of Roundstone Creek. Fences were built to protect the forest from cattle, and soil conditions were improved. The invested resources to control invasive species and repair severe erosion, and managed woodlands for timber production with the assistance of the Kentucky Division of Forestry.

Despite these conservation advancements, the Seymours were intrigued by protecting rare and threatened plants species and creating habitat for diverse and abundant wildlife populations. By prioritizing their farm’s diverse flora and fauna they saw an opportunity to diversify their income stream.

Abundant remnants of native grass, legumes, and wildflowers indicated the site would be ideal for their production. A survey of the farm’s flora found over 900 species. Each was collected, mounted, labeled, peer-reviewed, and included in an on-site herbarium for public study.

Roundstone Native Seed LLC (RNS) was established to specialize in growing seeds native to an ecologically distinct region. With more than 340 species in their seed catalog, the business helps other landowners establish native plants that reduce erosion, build soil health, and improve water quality.

A large demand comes from agencies and organizations that collect seeds from their own properties and send them to RNS to be cleaned and conditioned. RNS coordinates with other area landowners to grow seed under contract. In addition to native seeds an average of 500 acres of soybeans and oats are grown each year.

Riders Mill Farms contains a cave that serves as a maternity site for 36,000 gray bats, a federally listed endangered species. The Seymours vigorously protect the cave, closing it to only biologists from April through October.

The Seymours have an agreement with Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife to provide public fishing access along a half mile of Roundstone Creek, which the agency stocks with trout. They also host long-term studies of reptiles and amphibians in collaboration with conservation organizations and universities.

More than 100 acres have been restored as oak savanna at the farm, which has served as a release site with habitat for Ruffed Grouse. The Seymours also partnered with neighbors to provide a 5,000-acre protection zone for turkey.

In 2024, they hosted an event with the University of Kentucky that attracted more than 100 forestland owners interested in conservation. It’s proof that their willingness to share innovative native plant propagation methods has spread the Seymours land ethic far beyond their remote, but rejuvenated piece of Hart County.

ACCOLADES

“The Kentucky Agricultural Council is proud to once again partner in recognizing exceptional stewardship and conservation work as demonstrated by the Seymour family,” said Tod Griffin, Kentucky Agricultural Council’s chair. “The winner of the 2025 Leopold Conservation Award represents lifelong work to promote good stewardship in their farming operation and also through their agribusinesses, Roundstone Native Seed Company, that works to spread that stewardship nationwide.”

“Kentucky’s 121 conservation districts promote the sound management of all our natural resources, and we are excited to join in recognizing the well deserving Seymour family,” said Allan Bryant, Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts President. “This year’s Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award recipient is truly a working family farm and native seed business with a strong land stewardship ethic.”

“These award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO. “Their dedication to conservation is both an inspiration to their peers as well as a reminder to all how important thoughtful agriculture is to clean water, healthy soil, and wildlife habitat.”

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the award recipients,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that exemplary conservation involves the land itself, the practices employed on the land, and the people who steward it. This award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

The Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award is made possible thanks to the generous support and partnership of American Farmland Trust, Kentucky Agricultural Council, Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts, Sand County Foundation, Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation, U.S Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, AgriBusiness Association of Kentucky, Farm Credit Mid-America, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, Kentucky Corn Growers Association, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky Pork Producers, Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board, Kentucky Tree Farm Committee, Kentucky Woodland Owner’s Association, and the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.

Article from Morning Ag Clips

Kentucky Agricultural Council Seeks Part Time Executive Secretary

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 15:30:39 GMT

The Kentucky Agricultural Council is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented part-time executive secretary to support our association’s operations and enhance member engagement. This role offers an opportunity to develop or refine association management skills while making meaningful professional connections within Kentucky’s agricultural sector.

Position Details:

Hours: Flexible contractor position, with an expected commitment of 8-10 hours per week.
Compensation: $800/month
Location: This is a remote position. In-person member meetings are held in Louisville or Lexington (4 per year).
Contract Term: August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026. Contract is renewable pending an annual performance evaluation and funding availability.

Responsibilities:

Manage member communications and maintain membership records via an online membership database and website (training will be provided)
Coordinate and facilitate quarterly board and member meetings
Assist in the implementation of the Strategic Roadmap for Kentucky Agriculture: 2025–2030, including compiling reports on members’ initiatives within the nine theme areas
Attend virtual working group meetings and conduct interviews to gather insights on industry developments
Provide administrative support to leadership, ensuring smooth organizational operations
Contribute to strategic planning efforts to strengthen agricultural awareness, foster collaboration among member organizations, and recommend sustainable budgeting solutions

Qualifications:

High School diploma or equivalent and 3 or more years of post-secondary education or related experience
Prior experience in an agriculture-related organization preferred
Strong communication and organizational skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment

Interested candidates should submit their resume along with a cover letter or introduction video detailing their relevant experience and interest in the role via email to kyagcouncil@gmail.com by June 30, 2025.

For additional information about the Kentucky Agricultural Council, visit www.kyagcouncil.org.

Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Fri, 16 May 2025 18:00:17 GMT

Three finalists have been selected for the 2025 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 28 states. In Kentucky, the $10,000 award is presented with Kentucky Agricultural Council and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.

The finalists are:

Steve and Melanie Kelley: The Kelleys utilize no-till practices and plant cover crops to conserve soil and moisture. This enhances the soil for the next year’s crop. Their farm located near Bardwell in Carlisle County features 48 acres of filter strips, and 17 acres of grassed waterways and rock chutes to mitigate erosion. Solar panels produce electricity and provide the farm with another source of income. Wildlife and pollinator-friendly habitat has been established on 800 acres.
Dr. James “Greg” Kuhns: Dr. Kuhn’s Crooked Creek Farm in Bullitt County has prioritized agronomy, timber, land, and water management practices. Milkweed patches have been preserved and expanded to serve as breeding sites for endangered Monarch butterflies. Riparian buffers have been established to reduce erosion and protect water quality. Forest pools were built for wildlife. Fescue fields were converted to native grasses to support haying and provide wildlife habitat.
John and Randy Seymour of Upton in Hart County: The Seymours have actively managed their woodland for timber and wildlife habitat since the 1970s. Overtime they converted a tobacco, hay, and beef cattle farm near Upton in Hart County into native seed production. In addition to a 100-acre savanna restoration they efforts protect a large cave that hosts thousands of bats in their breeding season. By creating the Roundstone Native Seed Company they have helped others to establish native grass and wildflower habitats.

Kentucky landowners were encouraged to apply, or be nominated, for the award. An independent panel of Kentucky agricultural and conservation leaders reviewed the applications.

The award recipient will be recognized at the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Convention in August. Last year’s award recipient was Michael W. Wilson of Lawrenceburg in Anderson County.

“The Kentucky Agricultural Council is excited to recognize private landowners across the state who practice exceptional environmental stewardship,” said Tod Griffin, Kentucky Agricultural Council Chair. “Farmers are innovators in conservation and protecting our natural resources to ensure food and fiber production for future generations of Kentuckians.”

“KACD and conservation districts promote the sound management of all our natural resources, and we are excited to recognize these well deserving landowners in Kentucky,” said Allan Bryant, Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts President. “The Association and conservation districts work daily to assist private landowners in their efforts to adopt sound soil and water conservation practices on their land that benefit us all.”

“These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO. “Their dedication to conservation is both an inspiration to their peers as well as a reminder to all how important thoughtful agriculture is to clean water, healthy soil, and wildlife habitat.”

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the award finalists,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that exemplary conservation involves the land itself, the practices employed on the land, and the people who steward it. This award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

The Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award is made possible thanks to the generous support and partnership of American Farmland Trust, Kentucky Agricultural Council, Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts, Sand County Foundation, Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation, U.S Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, AgriBusiness Association of Kentucky, Farm Credit Mid-America, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, Kentucky Corn Growers Association, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky Pork Producers, Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board, Kentucky Tree Farm Committee, Kentucky Woodland Owner’s Association, and University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.

Kentucky Agricultural Council Elects 2025 Board Members and Officers

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 16:14:44 GMT

(Louisville, KY) - Kentucky Agricultural Council (KAC) member organizations elected their 2025 board of directors at its annual meeting on February 13.

Elected for another term are:

Dr. Tony Brannon, WAVE River Counties Ag Initiative
Tod Griffin, Agribusiness Association of Kentucky
Laura Knoth, Kentucky Corn Growers Association
Nikki Whitaker, Kentucky Cattlemen's Association
Niki Ellis, Kentucky Pork Producers Association
Joe Cain, Burley and Dark Fire Tobacco Producers
Sarah Coleman, Kentucky Horse Council

Laurie Mays, Senior Workforce Development Project Manager at the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will serve her first year on the board of directors. She replaced Mark Barker of Farm Credit Mid-America, who served as a director since 2016 and chaired the KAC from 2019 to 2021.

Appointed directors for 2025 are:

Drew Graham, Kentucky Farm Bureau
Warren Beeler, Kentucky Department of Agriculture
Dr. Laura Stephenson, UK Cooperative Extension Service

Following the members' meeting, directors elected KAC officers for 2025:

Tod Griffin, Chair
Sarah Coleman, Vice Chair
Niki Ellis, Treasurer
Dr. Tony Brannon, Immediate Past Chair

Jennifer Elwell will continue to serve under contract as Executive Secretary.

The Kentucky Agricultural Council grows connections among agricultural organizations and businesses across the Commonwealth. KAC brings value through networking, leading strategic discussions, and building collaborative relationships between farm, food, fuel, and fiber groups. This work includes:

Planning networking and programming for its members.
Disseminating information that creates an understanding and appreciation of Kentucky agriculture.
Serving as a liaison between private and public agricultural organizations, the Commissioner of Agriculture, the Governor, and the legislature to develop and effectively utilize our agricultural resources.
Coordinating a unified communications effort that represents all of Kentucky agriculture.

KAC’s 50+ members include non-profit organizations, trade associations, commodity groups, state and federal agencies, and higher education institutions.

Learn more at www.kyagcouncil.org.

Cultivating Connections for Farm, Food, Fuel and Fiber: Kentucky’s Agriculture Groups Launch Five-Year Strategic Roadmap for Farming Future at Summit

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 22:44:32 GMT

LOUISVILLE, KY— Nearly 200 Kentucky agriculture stakeholders representing 60 farm organizations, farms, and businesses met in Louisville today to release its Strategic Roadmap for Kentucky Agriculture: 2025-2030.

The plan was commissioned by the Kentucky Agricultural Council (KAC) members and developed by a diverse cross-section of Kentucky’s agriculture community. In fact, more than 300 individuals provided input through interviews, focus groups, working groups and meetings.

According to roadmap facilitator Michele Payn of Cause Matters Corp., the goal was to outline achievable, measurable, and evolving strategies to shape and propel Kentucky agriculture forward.

“Throughout the strategic roadmap process, we posed questions to help stakeholders consider solutions and lead into the future,” remarked Payn. “Extensive efforts were made to engage a variety of agrifood system leaders, spanning generations, farm types, minority groups, food experts, leaders from all sizes of agricultural organizations, healthcare, agribusinesses, and community groups.”

For Dr. Tony Brannon, KAC chair, farmer, and former dean of the Murray State Hutson College of Agriculture, the launch of the roadmap moves the focus from “planning the work to working the plan.”

“During the past year, I witnessed a core group of agricultural leaders— who, through their “deeds” and based on their knowledge, passion, service, commitment, and leadership—have provided a unified, strategic roadmap to guide Kentucky’s farm families and Kentucky agriculture to a brighter and more profitable tomorrow,” said Brannon. “I would like to thank every member of the Kentucky Agricultural Council for their diligent work and great contributions.”

Nine primary themes and 38 tactics were shared with attendees of the Kentucky Agricultural Summit with remarks from Senator Jason Howell, Representative Richard Heath, and Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell. Sessions at the Summit were designed to provide insight into critical issues such as economic development, farmland transitions, supply chain coordination, education, workforce development, innovation, food and health, and bringing Kentucky agriculture groups together.

KAC will also present the plan to the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, which supported the project with Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement funds.

Thanks to strategy leads, several projects and tasks listed within the roadmap are well underway. Those strategies and leaders are:

Help protect farm transitions and sustain Kentucky farmlands. - Brent Lackey, Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development
Engage agriculture in Kentucky’s economic development discussions. - Warren Beeler, Kentucky Department of Agriculture
Prioritize workforce development to meet employer needs by expanding career opportunities in agriculture. - Laurie Mays, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Foster more supply chain coordination to improve market access. - Dr. Ashton Potter, The Food Connection, University of Kentucky
Continue diversification and innovation across farm, food, fuel, and fiber. - Dr. Tony Brannon, WAVE Agriculture Initiative
Develop agriculture partnerships in the food and health space. - Marianne Smith Edge, RDN, The AgriNutrition Edge
Create more value-added markets across the Commonwealth. - Kati Bowman, Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development
Build understanding around farm, food, fuel, and fiber amongst all Kentuckians. - Dr. Will Snell, University of Kentucky and Kentucky Agriculture Leadership Program
Grow collaboration, coordination, and communications within Kentucky agriculture. - Tod Griffin, AgriBusiness Association of Kentucky

The complete roadmap may be viewed at www.kyagcouncil.org. KAC also encourages anyone who wants to contribute to the roadmap and its tactics to contact Jennifer Elwell at kyagcouncil@gmail.com.

Kentucky Agriculture Summit: Merging the Future of Kentucky Agriculture

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Kentucky’s agricultural sector is at a crossroads, brimming with potential and facing evolving challenges. To navigate this dynamic landscape, the Kentucky Agricultural Summit will be held November 14-15, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky. The summit will convene industry leaders, farmers, and stakeholders for a two-day exploration of the future of Kentucky agriculture.

Get ready to make a difference and be inspired!

During the Kentucky Agriculture Summit, we'll unveil the Strategic Roadmap for Kentucky Agriculture: 2025-2030, a groundbreaking plan developed by over 300 stakeholders to propel the farming community forward. This roadmap outlines achievable, measurable, and evolving strategies that will shape the future of agriculture in our state.

"Plan your work, and work your plan,” remarked Tony Brannon, KAC chair. “For the past year, the KAC has networked with all Kentucky agriculture organizations and agriculture leaders from all over the Commonwealth to 'plan our work.' The Kentucky Agriculture Summit begins the transition to 'work our plan.' It's not just another meeting; it's a meeting of the minds to continue to merge the great past of Kentucky Agriculture into an even brighter future. Join us as we share this vision and discuss how we can all work together to make it a reality.”

This premier event, presented by the Kentucky Agricultural Council (KAC), the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky State University, is a critical platform for exchanging ideas, fostering collaboration, and charting a course for continued growth and prosperity. The Summit will delve into critical themes like:

Farm Transitions and Preservation: Discuss experiences, legal needs, and challenges with farmland transitions with a first-generation farmer, lawyer, and experts.
Market Access and Expansion: Explore strategies for reaching new domestic and international markets, maximizing the value of Kentucky’s agricultural products.
Workforce Development: Identify solutions to address the agricultural workforce gap and attract the next generation to Kentucky’s vibrant agricultural scene.
Innovation and Technology: Discover how advancements in agriculture technology transform farm practices, optimize yield, and create new market opportunities.

Speakers include Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Johnathan Shell, Kentucky Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel, and Kentucky Venues CEO David Beck. Matt Lohr, a farmer leader who has served as chief of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and is currently the Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, will provide the opening keynote address on leading agriculture into the future.

In addition, the Kentucky Agriculture Summit offers attendees a unique opportunity to:

Gather ideas from thought leaders shaping the future of farm, food, fuel, and fiber.
Engage in thought-provoking sessions to create connections with unique partners.
Network with fellow farmers, agribusinesses, food partners, and policymakers across Kentucky and beyond.
Enjoy an evening celebrating a “Taste of Kentucky.”

Registration for the Kentucky Agriculture Summit is now open. Visit www.kyagcouncil.org by October 25 to secure your spot and help shape a brighter future for Kentucky agriculture.

About the Kentucky Agricultural Council

The Kentucky Agricultural Council is a non-profit organization that advocates for and promotes Kentucky agriculture. The Council brings together diverse stakeholders to address critical issues impacting the community and create a thriving agricultural environment for the Commonwealth.

Contact:

Jennifer Elwell, Executive Secretary
kyagcouncil@gmail.com

Food buyers shared their appreciation for Kentucky farmers but concern over food processing in consumer food survey

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 17:01:43 GMT

(Frankfort, KY) A sample of 2024 Kentucky State Fairgoers expressed their gratitude and trust in Kentucky farmers during a food survey conducted by the Kentucky Agricultural Council (KAC) and the Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom (TeachKyAg). It was the processing, however, that food buyers believed should be more transparent.

The consumer survey was a tactic developed as part of the Strategic Roadmap for Kentucky Agriculture: 2025-2030, in which more than 300 agriculture stakeholders participated. The tactics for the roadmap’s nine strategies will be released to the public during the Kentucky Agricultural Summit, November 14-15, 2024, in Louisville.

“We had many great conversations with the public about food,” remarked Jennifer Elwell, executive director of TeachKyAg. “In general, most people believed their food was safe and met their expectations concerning production and quality, but they had concerns about processing after the product left the farm.”

The survey group of more than 400 respondents made food decisions for themselves or their families, were primarily women between the ages of 35 and 75, and 40 percent lived in areas they classified as suburban. However, there was an even distribution among those in the remaining small town, rural, and urban locations.

Internet searches, traditional news outlets, and personal experience were among the leading sources of food information for those surveyed, but more than 19 percent mentioned they asked experts; Cooperative Extension, farmers, and groups at the Kentucky State Fair were among those responses.

Regarding confidence in food safety and quality, more than 70 percent of respondents said they were mostly to extremely confident farmers provided safe, high-quality food. Taste and affordability were the characteristics that dominated food purchase decisions, followed by safe and fair working conditions for farm workers, nutritional content, ingredients, animal welfare and environmental impact, in that order.

TeachKyAg asked survey participants to provide their thoughts on food processing, which showed to have the largest impact on food purchase decisions. Some people said they believed food processing is necessary and can make food safer and more affordable, while most shared concerns about the negative effects of processing on nutrition and health and prefer fresh or minimally processed foods.

Finally, respondents were encouraged to provide questions they had about food production. Those included the need for more information about processing, the use of additives, more transparency in food production and processing, and how to better support local farmers and gain access to fresher, minimally-processed foods.

“Overall, the survey revealed a range of views on food production and processing, with some consumers valuing convenience and affordability, while others prioritize freshness, health, and ethical production methods,” said Elwell. “There is a general desire for more transparency and education about food, and this information will help us develop communications tools for connecting with consumers in a more meaningful way. I was encouraged that many see the value in meeting farming experts at events such as the Kentucky State Fair.”

Full results of the consumer survey will be shared with members of the Kentucky Agricultural Council and at the Kentucky Agriculture Summit in November.

Whispering Hills Farm Receives Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 11:04:08 GMT

Whispering Hills Farm of Lawrenceburg is the recipient of the 2024 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in the management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Whispering Hills Farm’s owners, Mike and Tammy Wilson, were presented with the award at the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Convention on July 16. They receive $10,000 for being selected.

Collaborative Work Continues on Strategic Roadmap for Kentucky Agriculture

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 13:54:54 GMT

Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture Asked for Additional Input

KAC Chair Tony Brannon welcomes the crowd to the June 5 meeting in Lexington.

The Kentucky Agricultural Council (KAC) met on June 5 in Lexington to continue work on the Strategic Roadmap for Kentucky Agriculture, where about 70 stakeholders continued to refine and add to the draft tactics presented. Many of those stakeholders were new to the process, moving the total participation to about 250 individuals.

"This was another great day of construction by KAC members on the Strategic Roadmap,” remarked Dr. Tony Brannon, KAC chair. “There was great input, great ideas, and great discussion from great leaders planning our work. Let's get to work, Kentucky agriculture!"

Roadmap contributors refined tactics for these nine strategies identified by stakeholder focus groups and developed by working groups of industry professionals:

Help protect farm transitions & sustain Kentucky farmlands.
Prioritize workforce development.
Engage agriculture in Kentucky’s economic development discussions.
Foster more supply chain coordination to improve market access.
Continue diversification and innovation across farm, food, fuel, & fiber.
Develop agriculture’s partnerships in the food and health space.
Create more value-added markets across the Commonwealth.
Grow collaboration, coordination, and communications within Kentucky ag.
Build understanding around farm, food, fuel, and fiber amongst all Kentuckians.

"The leaders of Kentucky agriculture involved in the strategic roadmap have focused on the big picture to serve farm, food, fuel, and fiber partners across the state,” noted Michele Payn of Cause Matters Corp., who has facilitated the process. “I’ve been impressed with their concern for the future and ideas to creatively address challenges to help build a stronger agriculture. The goal of the strategic roadmap is to be a living, breathing document that is updated as tactics are delivered."

Payn will follow up with the strategy leads, and additional conversations will occur before another in-person meeting on August 15. The plan will be released on November 14-15 at the Kentucky Agricultural Summit in Louisville. However, many of KAC’s member organizations are already working on the strategies and tactics presented.

“I believe this exercise was a reminder of how urgent many of the issues facing Kentucky agriculture really are,” said Jennifer Elwell, administrator of KAC and executive director of the Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom. “Many of us found ways we can contribute and have already rolled up our sleeves to get to work.”

Examples of immediate actions that are underway or planned in the next few months include:

Work with partners such as the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the University of Kentucky on agriculture's economic multiplier.
Conduct a consumer survey about what they want to learn about Kentucky agriculture.
Continue program development to address farmers' mental and physical health.
Assist young farmers and protect farmland across Kentucky.
Establish protocol and information for biosecurity and natural disasters Work on connections between the supply chain and Kentucky’s farm, fuel, food, and fiber products.
Provide insight on agriculture's workforce needs to educational partners.

Tod Griffin, Michele Payn, and Jennifer Elwell spoke to the Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture in Frankfort, Ky. on June 6.

On June 6, Elwell, Payn, and KAC executive committee member Tod Griffin testified to the Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture in Frankfort on the Strategic Roadmap, sharing the process, themes, and tactics. House and Senate members were encouraged to ask questions and share insights on what was important to them. Those notes will be shared with each working group to see how they may be included in the roadmap.

"We thank Chairman Heath and the committee members for the opportunity to report on the plan's progress,” said Griffin, who is also executive director of the Agribusiness Association of Kentucky. “It's imperative that the members of the General Assembly know what key policy changes are needed to make sure Kentucky agriculture and rural communities remain vibrant and relevant to our citizens."

Strategic Roadmap for Kentucky Agriculture and the Kentucky Agricultural Summit updates can be found on the KAC website at www.kyagcouncil.org.

Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Wed, 15 May 2024 15:26:52 GMT

Three finalists have been selected for the 2024 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 27 states. In Kentucky, the $10,000 award is presented with Kentucky Agricultural Council and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.

The finalists are:

Steve and Melanie Kelley of Bardwell in Carlisle County: The Kelleys utilize no-till practices and plant cover crops to conserve soil and moisture. This enhances the soil for the next year’s crop. Their farm features 48 acres of filter strips, and 17 acres of grassed waterways and rock chutes to mitigate erosion. Solar panels produce electricity and provide the farm with another source of income. Wildlife and pollinator-friendly habitat has been established on 800 acres.

John and Randy Seymour of Upton in Hart County: The Seymours have actively managed their woodland for timber and wildlife habitat since the 1970s. Overtime they converted a tobacco, hay, and beef cattle farm into native seed production. In addition to a 100-acre savanna restoration they efforts protect a large cave that hosts thousands of gray bats in their breeding season. By creating the Roundstone Native Seed Company they provide the means for others to establish native grass and wildflower habitats.

Michael W. Wilson of Lawrenceburg in Anderson County: Michael Wilson implements rotational grazing in the summer and bale grazing in the winter to reduce soil erosion, prevent overgrazing, recycle nutrients, and increase plant regrowth and biodiversity. By equipping soil with greater organic matter, he’s making it more resilient to drought and extreme rainfall events. Michael served as chairman of the Anderson County Conservation District.

Kentucky farmland and forestland owners were encouraged to apply, or be nominated, for the award. An independent panel of Kentucky agricultural and conservation leaders reviewed the applications.

The award recipient will be recognized at the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Convention in July.

“The Kentucky Agricultural Council is once again honored to recognize private landowners across the state who practice exceptional stewardship and conservation practices,” said Dr. Tony Brannon, Kentucky Agricultural Council Chair. “Kentucky farmers have for many years been innovators in protecting our natural resources to ensure the long-term success of food and fiber production.”

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the Kentucky award finalists,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

“These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.

Last year’s award recipient was Veatch Farms of Campbellsville in Marion County.

The Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award is made possible thanks to the generous support and partnership of American Farmland Trust, Kentucky Agricultural Council, Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts, Sand County Foundation, Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation, U.S Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, AgriBusiness Association of Kentucky, Farm Credit Mid-America, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, Kentucky Corn Growers Association, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky Pork Producers, Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board, Kentucky Tree Farm Committee, Kentucky Woodland Owner’s Association, and University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.

Over 200 Leaders Engage in Kentucky Agriculture’s Strategic Roadmap

Mon, 06 May 2024 13:51:10 GMT

Nine working groups, involving over 200 leaders from various sectors of Kentucky agriculture, are actively shaping the future of our industry. This collaborative effort, part of the Strategic Roadmap for Kentucky Agriculture: 2025-2030, is spearheaded by the Kentucky Agriculture Council and will be unveiled this November. The Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky State University have all made significant investments in this endeavor, underscoring the importance of their collective vision.

Themes generated by 120 participants in the initial focus groups include:

Help protect farm transitions and sustain Kentucky farmlands.
Prioritize workforce development.
Engage agriculture in Kentucky’s economic development discussions.
Foster more supply chain coordination to improve market access.
Continue diversification and innovation across farm, food, fuel, & fiber.
Develop agriculture partnerships in the food and health space.
Create more value-added markets across the Commonwealth.
Grow collaboration, coordination, and communications within Kentucky agriculture.
Build understanding around farming and food amongst all Kentuckians.

The Kentucky Agricultural Council (KAC) represents Kentucky’s agricultural community and facilitates discussions to develop the KAC membership. Working groups are meeting to develop and refine measurable and actionable tactics to help guide the future of agriculture across the Commonwealth. Discussions will continue through August; KAC stakeholders will meet in person on June 5 in Lexington to further refine the developed tactics and identify partners involved in each strategy.

"The Kentucky Agricultural Council has long served Kentucky agriculture as an umbrella organization of organizations heavily vested in coordination and strategic planning activities,” said Dr. Tony Brannon, KAC chair and administrator of the WAVE River Counties Ag Initiative. “It has been said that if you don't know where you are heading, any road will get you there. The current 'Strategic Roadmap' being developed by leaders in Kentucky agriculture is a great effort to plan a route to continue building our industry. The effort is to help us fully uncover our needs and options and set priorities for them through tactics and actions. As I've always said, 'Plan your Work, then Work your Plan.’ Let's get to work, Kentucky Agriculture!"

Michele Payn of Cause Matters, Corp., has been facilitating the strategic roadmap with assistance from Dr. Kristie Guffey of Murray State University Hutson School of Agriculture. Payn's approach has been to engage diverse stakeholders, from farmers and agribusiness professionals to nutritionists and processors. She asked what was missing from Kentucky agriculture and how to leverage assets to stand out in the next ten years.

Brannon is thankful for the agriculture community's tremendous support and participation in this process. Here's what participants had to say.

"Kentucky's agricultural and rural communities are a vital economic engine for the commonwealth and bring a valued way of life for so many Kentuckians," said Tod Griffin, executive director of the Agribusiness Association of Kentucky and KAC treasurer. "The strategic roadmap is the culmination of the different ideas and priorities of Kentucky's agricultural leaders and sets the direction for the continued growth and success of one of Kentucky's most important sectors in our economy."

“Thanks to superior leadership, the Kentucky ag economy has thrived over the past couple of decades despite facing the greatest structural change of any state brought about by a changing tobacco economy,” remarked Dr. Will Snell, University of Kentucky agricultural economist. “Our farm economy and rural communities face a lot of headwinds in the coming years, but this plan will help keep our momentum moving forward.”

Any Kentucky agriculture stakeholder interested in joining the work should contact KAC executive secretary Jennifer Elwell at 855-921-2625 or kyagcouncil@gmail.com.

About the Kentucky Agricultural Council

Established in the late 1970s, the Kentucky Agricultural Council is a collaborative group of organizations that promotes, educates, and grows agriculture in the Commonwealth.

In 2006, the Kentucky Agricultural Council responded to Governor Ernie Fletcher’s call and assumed a leadership role in planning to help increase net farm income and improve the quality of life in rural Kentucky. This resulted in the publication of A Pathway for Kentucky's Agriculture and its Rural Communities: 2007 to 2012 Strategic Plan. A second plan followed for 2013-2018: Connecting Strategies to Better Kentucky’s Agricultural Economy and Rural Communities.

Learn more at www.kyagcouncil.org.

A Strategic Roadmap for Kentucky Agriculture

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 19:31:57 GMT

The Kentucky Agricultural Council works on behalf of Kentucky’s agricultural community and is facilitating discussion to develop the next Strategic Roadmap for Kentucky Agriculture: 2025-2030, which will be released this November. KAC membership, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky State University have invested in the effort.

Michele Payn of Cause Matters, Corp., has been facilitating the current process with assistance from Dr. Kristie Guffey of Murray State. From December to early February, they engaged more than 120 stakeholders to discover what was missing for Kentucky agriculture and how it would stand out in the next ten years.

Nine themes emerged from the first focus groups, and working groups of experts, farmers, and agrifood leaders are meeting to develop measurable and actionable tactics for each:

Help protect farm transitions and sustain Kentucky farmlands.
Prioritize workforce development.
Engage agriculture in Kentucky’s economic development discussions.
Foster more supply chain coordination to improve market access.
Continue diversification and innovation across farm, food, fuel, & fiber.
Develop agriculture’s partnerships in the food and health space.
Create more value-added markets across the Commonwealth.
Grow collaboration, coordination, and communications within Kentucky agriculture.
Build understanding around farm and food amongst all Kentuckians.

Working group discussions will continue through May. Anyone interested in participating in the groups or reviewing and responding to the generated ideas should contact KAC executive secretary Jennifer Elwell at kyagcouncil@gmail.com. Follow the QR code link at left to learn more about the process.

Established in the late 1970s, the Kentucky Agricultural Council is a collaborative group of organizations working to promote, educate, and grow agriculture in the Commonwealth.

KAC Elects New Officers and Directors

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 18:27:05 GMT

Kentucky Agricultural Council Membership elected new board members at the February 15, 2024 Annual Meeting that was held during the National Farm Machinery Show. A slate of officers was presented, and those were ratified by the board.

2024 Executive Team

Chair - Dr. Tony Brannon, WAVE Ag Initiative
Vice Chair - Niki Ellis, Ky Pork Producers
Treasurer - Tod Griffin, Agribusiness Association of Kentucky
Executive Secretary - Jennifer Elwell, Ky Ag and Env in the Classroom
Past Chair - Drew Graham, Kentucky Farm Bureau

Directors

Mark Barker, Farm Credit Mid-America
Laura Knoth, Ky Corn Growers
Joe Cain, Ky Burley and Dark Fire Tobacco Growers
Nikki Whitaker, Ky Cattlemen's
Dr. Nancy Cox, UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Env.
NEW - Warren Beeler, Ky Dept of Agriculture
NEW - Sarah Coleman, Ky Horse Council

Drew Graham thanked Debbie Ellis for her 3-year service to the KAC Board of Directors, and Dr. Tony Brannon thanked Drew for his chairmanship over the last 18 months.

Planning for Kentucky Agriculture’s Future

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 19:21:49 GMT

Kentucky Agricultural Council Seeks Input for New Goals and Action

Kentucky Agriculture continues to evolve. With the new Kentucky Department of Agriculture administration, the Kentucky Agricultural Council (KAC) started work to develop a new vision and action plan with the input of Kentucky’s agricultural stakeholders. The Kentucky Agricultural Strategic Roadmap isn’t just about improving the state’s farms and helping farmers – it’s about strengthening their place in communities and improving quality of life and economic vitality across Kentucky.

According to KAC executive secretary Jennifer Elwell, this will be the third time the umbrella group of Kentucky’s agricultural organizations has taken on this task. The first plan was released in 2007, followed by a plan in 2013. Even they the Council continued to hold regular member meetings for networking, education, and program updates, KAC had operated for several years without staff support. The board hired Elwell in July 2022 to assist and start the strategic planning process again.

“I believe the mission of the Kentucky Agricultural Council, promoting and educating about Kentucky agriculture, is a great companion to what I am already doing with the Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom,” said Elwell. “I also see the role as a way to connect with more of Kentucky’s agriculture groups and find ways to help them achieve their missions.”

KAC requested proposals for strategic planning services in August 2023 and awarded the contract to Michele Payn of Cause Matters, Corp in November. While several entities in Kentucky had previously worked with the Indiana-based agriculture consultant, her proposal included assistance from Murray State University’s Dr. Kristie Guffey. Guffey, originally from Trigg County, has held several leadership roles with Kentucky’s organizations.

“Excited does not describe how I felt when I learned that Michele and Kristie were interested in working together on this project,” Elwell remarked. “Their experience will serve Kentucky agriculture well.”

Payn and Guffey led an initial discussion with agriculture organization leaders at the November 2023 KAC members’ meeting. Payn facilitated small focus group sessions in December and January; a third session will continue through early February. An initial report will be provided at the February 15 KAC Annual Meeting; the final roadmap is set to be published and distributed in late 2024.

Elwell said the goal is to receive input from as many agriculture stakeholders as possible, including a diverse set of farmers, food processors, and agricultural support staff. Board members also wanted a roadmap of concrete, achievable goals and a list of responsible parties who will take the necessary action to achieve those goals.

“We want everyone involved in farming to feel they own this vision for Kentucky agriculture,” explained Elwell. “That ownership will hopefully result in an investment of time and funds to do the work to serve the agriculture community better.”

February 15 Networking, Brain Storming, and Building Kentucky’s Agriculture Knowledge

KAC would like to invite Kentucky’s agricultural stakeholders to participate in the February 15 meeting that will be held from 10 to 12 EDT in the Freedom Hall Conference Room during the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville. Payn will share the themes that surfaced from the focus group discussions, and members will be asked to brainstorm goals and action items within networking clusters.

“A strategic roadmap, when acted upon, will help Kentucky take advantage of its diversity and resources,” remarked Payn.

After talking with more than 80 stakeholders, Payn reported that collaboration and consumer awareness are among the most mentioned needs for Kentucky agriculture. Elwell told her that she already had tools to assist those efforts, and plans have been made to share those during the Feb. 15 meeting. The Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom will also facilitate a three-hour workshop that afternoon with Payn’s help, to prepare the agriculture community to better speak with non-farming audiences. Learn more about this interactive workshop at www.teachkyag.org/workshops. Registration is required.

“I think it is critical that Kentucky’s farming community should work to have a positive, unified voice,” said Elwell. “While there are differences in production practices, operation size, and how goods are marketed, I believe there is a lot in which farmers can agree, such as the need to preserve farmland, conserve natural resources, and provide safe food to a growing population.”

Elwell continued and said this workshop is perfect for those who want to speak to schools, civic groups, local businesses, legislators, and government officials. Tools will also be provided to help participants tell Kentucky’s agriculture story.

For more information about the Kentucky Agricultural Council meeting, visit www.kyagcouncil.org.

About the Kentucky Agricultural Council

The Kentucky Agricultural Council is an umbrella group representing all sectors of Kentucky Agriculture. Its 50+ members include non-profit organizations, trade associations, commodity groups, state and federal agencies, and institutions of higher education — all interested in the advancement and development of Kentucky agriculture. KAC works to plan programs for its members and disseminate information that creates an understanding and appreciation of Kentucky agriculture and serves as a liaison between private and public agricultural organizations, the Commissioner of Agriculture, the Governor, and the legislature in order to develop and effectively utilize our agricultural resources to the fullest extent.