National Ag Day is Tuesday, March 21, and it is a good time to reflect on some of the many ways agriculture affects us every day.
Agriculture is a major economic driver in Kentucky and the United States. Nationally, it is one of few sectors that can boast a trade surplus.
Read MoreAgriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles today celebrated the passage in the Kentucky House of Representatives of landmark legislation that aligns Kentucky’s industrial hemp research pilot program with the federal Farm Bill and adds important law enforcement provisions. Senate Bill 218 now goes to Governor Matt Bevin for his signature.
Read MoreSB-139 will next move to consideration by the full Senate.
The Kentucky Senate Agriculture Committee today unanimously passed a bill that would designate equines as livestock, an action that if approved will provide tremendous benefit the entire horse industry. Securing livestock classification of horses and equine has been among the top policy priorities of the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP), since being founded in 2004.
Read MoreIf you were a patient sitting in Dr. Randy Smoot's dental office you probably wouldn't guess that the man who fixes your smile is also the man who currently owns and cares for the number one ranked Angus bull in America.
Read MoreBill would eliminate requirement to remove dual wheels from large farm implements
Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles today applauded the Kentucky House of Representatives for passing House Bill 265, which will help Kentucky farmers transport farm implements on Kentucky roadways.
Read MoreKentucky Farm Bureau’s (KFB) volunteer leaders continue the organization’s grassroots policy development process this month as they head to Washington, D.C., with their list of 2017 national priority issues and a willingness to serve as “The Voice of Kentucky Agriculture.” The group, consisting of nearly 300 KFB members from more than 60 different counties, has scheduled a series of strategic discussions with Kentucky’s Congressional Delegation during the last week of February to examine issues facing agriculture and rural communities in the Commonwealth.
Read MoreCarrie Pendleton likes structure and rules, which makes her job with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture Grain Regulation Branch a perfect fit.
Read MoreTJ Conrad did not grow up on a farm, but his home in McLean County was surrounded by agriculture. Providing labor on local farms was always a good way to make some pocket money, and he developed a fascination with farm equipment.
Read MoreIn Kentucky, animal agriculture represents well over half of the ag economy when taking into account all livestock sectors.
Most of this can be attributed to tradition but because of the investments made in the whole industry much of which comes from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, not only has livestock production grown but animal quality remains important and is exceptional in many cases.
Read MoreAgriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles gave an update of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s (KDA’s) Hunger Initiative and urged all Kentuckians to help fight hunger in a rally to raise awareness of Kentucky’s hunger problem today in the Capitol Rotunda.
“The Kentucky Hunger Initiative got off to a great start in 2016, and we are continuing our efforts to develop a strategy to reduce hunger in Kentucky,” Commissioner Quarles said at the annual Rally to Solve Hunger.
During Kentucky Farm Bureau’s recent annual meeting, one of the priority issues approved by its board related to wildlife populations. Specifically, the priority issue sought to, “Seek effective wildlife management that will reduce the wildlife population in an effort to alleviate continued crop and livestock losses, automobile accidents, human injuries, and loss of life.”
Read MoreLegislation would extend weight tolerance for vehicles carrying farm products, feed
Kentucky Department of Agriculture
Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles endorsed legislation that would help Kentucky farmers transport their goods more efficiently and make Kentucky agriculture more competitive with other states.
Read MoreAgriculture exports are critical to growing ag-related and rural economies. A substantial amount of Kentucky’s agricultural sales comes from exports, and while the majority of our farms in the Commonwealth are smaller, family-owned operations, each one has a role to play in providing these goods that are in demand around the world.
Read MoreAccording to the Kentucky Field Office of the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service both sheep and lamb inventories and goat inventories decreased in Kentucky from last year.
Read MoreThe Farm Service Agency (FSA) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that serves all farmers, ranchers and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs for all Americans. The agency provides America’s farmers with a strong safety net through the administration of farm commodity and disaster programs.
Read MoreThe Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) has come forward with legislation to help businesses and individuals who wish to donate food to organizations that serve hungry Kentuckians.
Read MoreAmanda Robertson has a job title that only three other people in the nation can claim. What is more surprising is the fact that she studied to become a teacher.
Read MoreOn the foundation of an old gestation barn, boxwood thrives. On the former nursery site, a new propagation greenhouse stands, its tables made from grates recovered from the farrowing house. The former finishing barn is now used for storage.
Read MoreFarmers are the first environmentalists. We farm in part because we love working the land and knowing our work means something – we are feeding our friends and neighbors. But, we understand that we have a special responsibility to maintain clean air, clean water, and fertile soils to sustain life.
Read MoreMike and Toa Green’s business philosophy is to let customer demand dictate their business decisions.
In 2011, the couple, who owned Thai Orchid Café in Lexington, decided on a whim to add a new dessert to the menu of their Kentucky Proud restaurant. Coconut ice cream, popular in Thailand, was added because it pairs well with spicy Thai dishes.
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