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Post by Press Release on Aug 3, 2011 18:58:01 GMT -5
Kentucky agricultural businesses encouraged to apply for export funding
Kentucky Department of Agriculture Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Small agricultural companies in Kentucky and other southern states may apply for funding from the 2012 Market Access Program (MAP) Branded to get help for entering export markets. “Many Kentucky agricultural businesses have taken advantage of MAP Branded to become exporters of fine Kentucky farm products,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “This program gives small Kentucky businesses an opportunity to grow. I encourage all Kentucky agricultural businesses that are considering exporting to look into this program.” Under the MAP Branded program, businesses seeking to enter export markets may be reimbursed up to 50 percent for promotional and international marketing costs. To be eligible for the Branded program, companies must be considered small according to U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) standards, have yearly sales of at least $100,000, and promote a brand-name product that is at least 50 percent U.S. agricultural origin. MAP Branded is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and administered to companies in SUSTA’s 15 member states and Puerto Rico. Kentucky agricultural exports were valued at nearly $2 billion in 2009, according to the Kentucky office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service. A pre-qualification form may be downloaded on the SUSTA website at www.susta.org. For more information on MAP Branded, contact Kelly Ludwig or Jonathan Van Balen in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s marketing office at (502) 564-4983.
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Post by Press Release on Aug 12, 2011 17:53:33 GMT -5
Commissioner Farmer, Dean Smith invite Kentuckians to 'Plate It Up' with local Kentucky Proud foods
Kentucky Department of Agriculture Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky families can try nutritious, easy-to-prepare recipes using fresh Kentucky Proud products through a new statewide initiative aimed at encouraging consumers to buy local food. Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer and M. Scott Smith, dean of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, will officially kick off the Plate It Up, Kentucky Proud program at the Kentucky Commodity Breakfast Aug. 18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Two recipes from the program – a watermelon tomato salad and a cucumber, corn and bean salsa – will be featured at the Aug. 18 commodity breakfast, which traditionally is held on opening day of the Kentucky State Fair. “Kentucky Proud means fruits and vegetables at their peak of freshness,” Commissioner Farmer said. “When you buy Kentucky Proud, you buy nutritious foods that you can serve to your family with confidence. You also help Kentucky farm families make a living.” Students in the UK nutrition program will rework traditional recipes using Kentucky fruits, vegetables, and herbs to make the recipes healthier while still delicious and easy to prepare. A panel of family and consumer sciences agents will judge the recipes. The winning recipes, along with videos of the recipes being prepared, will be posted on the Kentucky Proud website, www.kyproud.com. They also will be distributed through Extension to all 120 Kentucky counties. Extension agents will educate local consumers on how to prepare the recipes and how to use the Kentucky Proud products in the recipes. “The goal is to get consumers to buy, prepare, and preserve more locally grown Kentucky Proud products,” said Janet Johnson, Allen County Cooperative Extension agent for family and consumer sciences. “By developing delicious new recipes each season that focus on the freshest commodities, consumers can sample the benefits provided by ‘plating up’ the best Kentucky foods.” Plate It Up, Kentucky Proud is a partnership of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, and the UK School of Human and Environmental Sciences. The program is funded with federal Specialty Crop Block Grant funds administered by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Along with the Commodity Breakfast, recipes will be featured in demonstrations at noon daily at the Kentucky Beef Council’s stage in the South Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center during the state fair. Information and recipe cards will be available at the UK College of Agriculture’s exhibit in the West Hall lobby and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s display in the South Wing. Kentucky Proud is the Commonwealth’s official farm marketing program. Kentucky Proud generated more than $200 million in retail sales of Kentucky food products through member retailers in 2010. More than 2,500 farmers, processors, retailers, restaurants, school districts, farmers’ markets, Kentucky Farm Bureau roadside markets, and Kentucky state parks are members of Kentucky Proud. “I’m pleased that the Kentucky Department of Agriculture again is working with our good friends at UK on this important project,” Commissioner Farmer said. “I encourage all Kentuckians to ‘Plate It Up’ with fresh Kentucky Proud foods. This effort will boost Kentucky’s farm economy while making Kentuckians healthier.”
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Post by Press Release on Aug 16, 2011 16:31:33 GMT -5
Kentucky Proud
State agriculture department will share the spotlight at the Kentucky State Fair
Kentucky Department of Agriculture Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Visitors at the Kentucky State Fair can try delicious, healthy Kentucky Proud recipes and learn about some of the services the Kentucky Department of Agriculture provides for consumers and farmers during the 107th edition of the state fair Aug. 18-28 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. “The Kentucky State Fair is Kentucky agriculture’s time to shine,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “It’s also the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s time to show the public some of the things we do for every Kentuckian every day.” Commissioner Farmer and M. Scott Smith, dean of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, will open the fair by launching Plate It Up, Kentucky Proud at the Commodity Breakfast on Aug. 18. The Plate It Up, Kentucky Proud program is intended to encourage Kentuckians to prepare traditional recipes with a new wrinkle using fresh, nutritious Kentucky Proud foods. Plate It Up, Kentucky Proud recipes will be featured in demonstrations at the Kentucky Beef Council’s stage in the South Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center during the state fair. Information and recipe cards will be available at the UK College of Agriculture’s exhibit in the West Hall lobby and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s display in the South Wing. Kentucky Proud vendors will give product demonstrations and offer samples of their foods in the West Hall. Kentucky commodity organizations will sell representative samples of their products at The Great Kentucky Cook Out Tent. Also in the West Hall, the Department will present a “farm-to-table” display – an antique tractor surrounded by some of Kentucky’s outstanding farm products. The Kentucky Proud farmers’ market will be back at its usual location outside the corner of the West Hall. In the South Wing, the Department’s regulation and inspection division will show its large scale truck and other implements. An agritourism display will highlight Kentucky’s many fun, family-friendly farm destinations. Environmental services staff will be available to talk to fairgoers about bed bugs, emerald ash borer, and other pests. The agriculture education division will feature the mobile science activity center, which travels to schools throughout the state offering students the opportunity to conduct agricultural investigations, and its one-of-a-kind rollover tractor simulator. Staff from the Department’s Division of Show and Fair Promotion will help work the livestock shows at the fair. Department employees also will work the skillathons and judging contests. Staff from the Office of the State Veterinarian will check health papers for every animal that’s brought to the fair to be shown. Exhibitors who show Kentucky livestock will be eligible for additional premiums through the Kentucky Proud Livestock Tag Program. A Kentucky Proud champion and reserve champion will be named in beef, dairy, goats, sheep, and swine.
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Post by Press Release on Aug 22, 2011 12:51:27 GMT -5
USDA inspection helps Loretto Custom Meats grow
Kentucky Department of Agriculture Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Loretto Custom Meats, a family-owned processing facility in Marion County, has seen its customer base grow since it was inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in May. “This is an example of another Kentucky Proud business that has gone the extra mile to expand its operation,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “The USDA inspection helps Loretto Custom Meats and gives local producers another processing option. It also benefits the local economy.” “Some of our current deer customers said that they would bring their beef or pork business to us if we were inspected,” owner Jody Mattingly said. The USDA inspection has enabled Loretto Custom Meats to grow to about 1,500 customers. The plant processes beef, pork, deer, elk, lamb, and goats to customers’ specifications and smokes summer sausage (beef and deer), sausage sticks, bacon, and ham. Mattingly raises a herd of Limousin-Charolais cross cattle to finish in his feed lot and process for sale to local restaurants and individual buyers under the Kentucky Proud label. Mattingly typically sells beef in November and guarantees his meat to grade Choice. He also buys hogs from a local producer to harvest and sell to local restaurants, to individuals, and at local farmers’ markets. Loretto Custom Meats places harvested product in a blast freezer that lowers the temperature to 28 degrees F. “We like to hang everything for at least 14 days, but the meat can hang for 21 days” to cure and tenderize, Mattingly said. Loretto Custom Meats is open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday and can be opened for drop-offs after hours for customers who call ahead. During deer season, the plant is open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days a week.
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Post by Press Release on Sept 2, 2011 4:39:03 GMT -5
State veterinarian says Kentucky requirements are adequate to address Arkansas outbreak
Kentucky Department of Agriculture Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky’s health requirements for equine entering the state are sufficient to protect the Commonwealth’s herd from an outbreak of equine infectious anemia (EIA) in Arkansas, State Veterinarian Robert C. Stout said. Kentucky requires horses to be tested for EIA prior to entering the state. “Horses accounted for $700 million in farm cash receipts in Kentucky in 2010, so maintaining the health of Kentucky’s equine herd is one of our top priorities,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Kentucky is the horse capital of the world, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture will do everything in its power to keep it that way.” “We do not believe the Arkansas outbreak increases the risk of disease to Kentucky’s equine population at this time,” Dr. Stout said. “The number of horses affected in the Arkansas outbreak is significant, but it appears to be isolated and under control.” Two horses on a single premises in Arkansas died of an illness that appeared to be EIA in late July, Dr. Stout said. The Arkansas state veterinarian’s office investigated the deaths and determined that 40 horses on the premises tested positive for EIA. The EIA-positive horses were euthanized and buried. The remaining horses tested negative for EIA and were quarantined. The Arkansas state veterinarian’s office said there was no sign that the virus had spread beyond the index premises. The affected herd was described as “closed” with infrequent movement off the farm. Kentucky law requires horses being brought into the state to be examined by a veterinarian accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and have a health certification issued prior to entry. Equine infectious anemia, also known as swamp fever, is a potentially fatal viral disease of horses, according to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. No vaccine or treatment exists for the disease. Clinical signs of EIA include fever, weight loss, yellowing of body tissues, anemia, swelling in the limbs, and weakness. Not all equine infected with the EIA virus show signs of illness. The virus usually is transmitted from horse to horse by large biting insects such as horseflies and deerflies. Dr. Stout reminded horse owners to isolate all new additions to a herd for a defined period of time and implement biosecurity practices when taking an individual equine traveling or participating in events.
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Post by Press Release on Sept 3, 2011 20:01:27 GMT -5
Commissioner Farmer hails Kentucky producers for again exceeding $4 billion in farm cash receipts
Kentucky Department of Agriculture Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer congratulated Kentucky farmers for again exceeding $4 billion in farm cash receipts in 2010 and surpassing total receipts from the previous year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (ERS) reported that Kentucky farm cash receipts totaled more than $4.44 billion in 2010, a 2.2 percent increase over the adjusted 2009 total of $4.34 billion and the third-highest total on record. “Kentucky farmers continued to excel in 2010 despite a late-summer drought and a sluggish national economy,” Commissioner Farmer said. “This is the sixth time in the past seven years that Kentucky farm cash receipts have crossed the $4 billion mark. That says a lot about the skill, determination, and work ethic of Kentucky’s farmers. It also says the Kentucky Proud program is increasing Kentucky farm income.” Sales of livestock and livestock products accounted for nearly $2.6 billion, 6.85 percent higher than the previous year. Cash receipts for crops totaled more than $1.84 billion, a decline of nearly 3.7 percent from the 2009 figure. The record for farm cash receipts in Kentucky is more than $4.7 billion, set in 2008. Sales of poultry and eggs topped the list for the second consecutive year at more than $953.3 million, an increase of 4.6 percent from the previous year. Horses were next at $700 million (down 10.3 percent), and sales of cattle and calves totaled $615.5 million (up 27 percent). Corn was the leading crop with cash receipts of $603.5 million (up 4.2 percent). Soybeans brought $583 million (up 4.1 percent), followed by tobacco at $331 million (down 13.5 percent), dairy products at $204 million (up 23 percent), and hogs at $107.2 million (up 46.9 percent). U.S. farm cash receipts totaled $314.4 billion in 2010, an 8.9 percent increase over the 2009 total, according to the ERS. For state and national farm cash receipts by year and by commodity, go to www.ers.usda.gov.
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Post by Press Release on Sept 28, 2011 16:48:39 GMT -5
Commissioner Farmer applauds Farm Bureau for 50 straight years of membership growth
Kentucky Department of Agriculture Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer congratulated Kentucky Farm Bureau on its 50th consecutive year of membership growth. “Kentucky Farm Bureau is a tireless and powerful advocate for Kentucky’s farmers,” Commissioner Farmer said. “The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is pleased to work with Kentucky Farm Bureau to stand up for Kentucky farmers against out-of-state animal activists, government overreach, and other challenges. We also work together to help producers find new markets for their products, including selling directly to consumers through outlets such as farmers’ markets and roadside markets.” Earlier this month, Kentucky Farm Bureau surpassed its old record of 500,316 members set last year. It became the third Farm Bureau in the country to exceed 500,000 member families in 2010. The Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation officially assembled for the first time in November 1919. The federation will celebrate its 92nd annual meeting Nov. 30-Dec. 3 in Louisville. “This amazing milestone is the result of the outstanding leadership of Kentucky Farm Bureau President Mark Haney and Executive Vice President David Beck, former Presidents Marshall Coyle and Sam Moore, and all the other great leaders who came before them,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Congratulations to my friends at Kentucky Farm Bureau on this tremendous achievement.”
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Post by Press Release on Oct 3, 2011 18:39:22 GMT -5
Art contest highlights Farm to School Week
Kentucky Department of Agriculture Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky students can compete for prizes and learn about the benefits of local food in a statewide art contest to commemorate Farm to School Week Oct. 9-15. The contest is being conducted to raise awareness of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Farm to School Program. “I invite all Kentucky school children to participate in this contest and learn about the importance of enjoying fresh, nutritious Kentucky Proud foods,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. Students must submit original drawings on white, unlined 8 ½ X 11-inch paper based on the theme “Let’s Grow Healthy the Kentucky Proud Way!” Participating school districts will select winning entries in elementary school, middle/junior high school, and high school. The districts must submit the winning entries at the Kentucky School Nutrition Association conference on Oct. 26. A panel of judges selected by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture will select the first- , second- , and third-place entries statewide. The student who creates the first-place entry will win a $50 savings bond from the Department; the student with the second-place entry will win a $30 savings bond; and the student with the third-place entry will win a $20 savings bond. The winning students will be honored at the Kentucky Commodity Conference in December in Bowling Green. Individual school districts may award prizes to their district-wide winners. The contest is sponsored by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and Nutrition & Food Science Department, the Kentucky Dairy Development Council, and Kentucky Action for Healthy Kids. The UK food science department will use the leading entries in its 2012 calendar. More than 80 Kentucky school districts participate in the Farm to School program, including the Jefferson County district, which serves more than 100,000 students. Eleven districts spent more than $62,000 on local food for their students during the first eight months of the year. “The Farm to School Program connects Kentucky farmers with Kentucky schools,” Commissioner Farmer said. “The schools get fresh, local food from just down the road to serve to their students. The farmers get some extra income and a new market for their products.” Fresh Kentucky Proud foods help reduce Kentucky’s childhood obesity rate. A 2007 survey found that Kentucky was third in the nation in childhood obesity, and 21 percent of Kentucky children between the ages of 10 and 17 were affected, according to a recent report. For more information about the contest, including full contest rules, go to the Farm to School page on the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's website, www.kyagr.com. For more information about the Farm to School program, contact program coordinator Tina Garland at (502) 573-0282 or tina.garland@ky.gov.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 8, 2011 13:08:05 GMT -5
Horses added to Kentucky Proud program
Kentucky Department of Agriculture Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP), and the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) announced today that horses have been added to the Kentucky Proud program. As new members of Kentucky Proud, horse farms in the Commonwealth will be eligible to receive financial grants from the state Department of Agriculture, will be eligible to participate in a cost-share program, and will be able to use the Kentucky Proud logo in advertising their equine products. Kentucky Equine Education Project logoKentucky Horse Council logo“In working with KEEP and KHC to add horses to the program, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is expanding its support for Kentucky farmers,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Kentucky is known around the world for its signature equine industry. We are excited to add horses to our list of Kentucky Proud products.” "Both KEEP and KHC have worked for years to promote Kentucky’s equine industry," said Patrick Neely, KEEP Executive Director. "The addition of horses to the Kentucky Proud program will allow Kentucky horse farms to apply for grants and to grow their businesses by joining the well-known Kentucky Proud advertising and marketing initiatives. We appreciate that the Kentucky Department of Agriculture has taken this important step to assist our signature industry and the thousands of jobs it creates." Anna Zinkhon, President of the Kentucky Horse Council Board, added: “The Kentucky Horse Council is glad to partner with KEEP on this important new program. Two years ago my predecessor, Madelyn Milllard, initiated the idea by approaching KDA regarding a Kentucky Proud for Horses. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s interest in adding horses to this highly successful agricultural program enhances our farms’ abilities to market their horses nationally and internationally.” Individually, farms should contact KEEP or the Kentucky Horse Council for applications and more information on the Kentucky Proud program. Once approved, farms will have access to all the services and support that the Kentucky Department of Agriculture gives to members of that program, including marketing assistance and product promotion, as well as participation in a cost-share program. Kentucky Proud is the official farm marketing program of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Kentucky Proud generated more than $200 million in retail sales of Kentucky farm products just through member retailers in 2010. More than 2,800 farmers, processors, retailers, restaurants, school districts, farmers’ markets, Kentucky state parks, and Kentucky Farm Bureau roadside markets are members of Kentucky Proud.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 10, 2011 19:49:55 GMT -5
Tumbleweed gets all of its chicken from Kentucky Proud producers
Kentucky Department of Agriculture Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Less than a decade ago, Kentucky Proud had just a few dozen members, and Tumbleweed Restaurants was struggling through hard times. Today, both the official Kentucky farm marketing program and the Louisville-based Tex-Mex restaurant chain are thriving. They also are partners in a project that’s putting Kentucky Proud foods on the plates of Tumbleweed diners while putting dollars in the pockets of Kentucky farmers. “All of our chicken is Kentucky Proud,” said Ben Wadler, director of purchasing for Tumbleweed. “It’s worked out well for us.” Tumbleweed purchased $2.6 million worth of Kentucky Proud chicken this year through September, Wadler said. The Tumbleweed chicken comes from more than 160 western Kentucky producers. “The Tumbleweed chicken deal is the biggest Kentucky Proud success story to date in terms of farm impact,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “I’m grateful to Tumbleweed for pursuing a project that benefits Kentucky farmers, and I’m pleased that the Kentucky Department of Agriculture was able to facilitate this partnership.” Guests at any Tumbleweed restaurant – not just those in Kentucky – will find the familiar blue, green, and red Kentucky Proud logo beside all the chicken dishes on the menu. About 35 percent of all Tumbleweed guests buy a Kentucky Proud chicken dish, Wadler said. Wadler said that, about three years ago, a salesman told him, “You’re really missing the boat. You can buy Kentucky Proud chicken and other Kentucky Proud foods, and they will come up with funding to help you pay for it.” That interested Mike Higgins, chief operating officer and operating partner of Tumbleweed. “Mike Higgins has been in Kentucky most of his life, and he was very clear that we needed to find a way to make this work,” Wadler said. Roger Snell, retail liaison for Kentucky Proud, worked over a span of a year to connect Tumbleweed with Pilgrim’s Pride in Mayfield and a further processor to get Kentucky-produced chicken for Tumbleweed’s chicken dishes. Tumbleweed was awarded a Kentucky Proud grant for $90,000 for 18 months. Tumbleweed pays a premium for the Kentucky Proud chicken, so the grant helps defray the added cost, Wadler said. He said the chain has matched the grant more than twice over in spending on advertising and printing menus with the Kentucky Proud chicken dishes marked with the program logo. Custom Food Solutions, the company’s manufacturing arm, uses the chicken that Tumbleweed doesn’t use, Wadler said. He said Custom Food Solutions also makes sauces and salsas for Kentucky Proud producers. Wadler said Tumbleweed is willing to buy more products from Kentucky Proud producers. Kentucky Proud has more than 2,800 member producers, processors, restaurants, retailers, school districts, farmers’ markets, Kentucky state parks, and Kentucky Farm Bureau roadside markets. Kentucky Proud generated more than $200 million of retail sales of Kentucky farm products just through member retailers in 2010.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 13, 2011 18:53:09 GMT -5
October set aside to celebrate Kentucky's grape and wine industry
Kentucky Department of Agriculture Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — October Grape and Wine Month is an opportunity for Kentuckians to celebrate this fast-growing industry, Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. Grape and Wine Program logo“Kentucky’s wine industry has grown from no wineries 20 years ago to 63 today,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Several of these wineries are winning awards for their outstanding Kentucky Proud wines in competitions all over the country. This industry is generating economic activity and creating jobs throughout the Commonwealth.” Kentucky’s grape and wine industry returned to prominence with the help of marketing and promotional assistance from the Kentucky Proud program and investments from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Grape and Wine Program promotes the industry, connects grape producers with buyers, offers cost share and reimbursement programs for Kentucky’s small-farm wineries, and provides administrative services for the Kentucky Grape and Wine Council. The Department worked with the Council to produce an award-winning documentary about the industry in 2009. Kentucky was the home of the first commercial vineyard in the United States, in present-day Jessamine County in the late 18th century. Kentucky once was the third-largest grape- and wine-producing state in the nation, but Prohibition brought an end to the industry in the state. More than 600 acres in Kentucky are in grape production today. Kentucky Proud wines are available at wineries and in retail stores across the Commonwealth. Several Kentucky wineries are set up as destinations that offer concerts, tastings, theme dinners, and other events. The Northern Kentucky Wine Festival, scheduled for Oct. 15 at MainStrasse Village in Covington, is one of several wine festivals that take place in Kentucky every year. For more information about Kentucky’s grape and wine industry, and to find a Kentucky Proud winery near you, go to www.kentuckywine.com. Find out more about the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Grape and Wine Program on the Department's website.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 29, 2011 8:44:39 GMT -5
Kentucky agriculture department fills important roles at North American International Livestock Expo
Kentucky Department of Agriculture Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Employees from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture again will be on hand to ensure a smooth 14-day run when the 38th edition of the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) opens Nov. 5 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. “The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is proud to be a part of the world’s largest all-breed, purebred livestock exposition,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “KDA employees perform important roles in running the shows, monitoring the animals’ health and health documentation, and making our visitors feel welcome.” Staff from the Office of the State Veterinarian visually inspect each animal at NAILE and validate the accompanying veterinary documentation to ensure than animal health requirements are met. “Animal health is a huge part of it,” said Warren Beeler, assistant director of the KDA’s Division of Value-Added Animal and Aquaculture Production, who works with swine, beef, goat, and national livestock judging competitions in various capacities and as a show ring announcer at NAILE. “Our employees from the state veterinarian’s office pretty much live there 24 hours a day until the North American is over with. They probably work the hardest of anybody.” Employees of the Division of Show and Fair Promotion and other divisions work the livestock shows and judging contests. Staff in the KDA’s marketing office work the show offices and set up Kentucky Proud vendors to sell their products at the exposition. “We’ve got folks in every barn every day,” Beeler said. “It’s important because our employees are the face of agriculture for people coming in from outside Kentucky. We want our visitors to enjoy Kentucky hospitality and come again.” Beeler said the KDA employees’ familiarity with their duties makes for a well-organized event. “Luckily, we’ve got a crew of people who have done this a while,” he said. “We’ve been doing it so long, everybody knows where to go and what to do. We know how to run shows.” More than 22,000 livestock entries in 10 divisions are expected to compete for nearly $750,000 in premiums and awards. The North American attracts more than 200,000 exhibitors and visitors to the Kentucky Exposition Center’s 1.2 million square feet of climate-controlled space each year. The North American has an estimated economic impact of $11.6 million. The 33rd annual North American Championship Rodeo is Nov. 10-12 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in conjunction with the NAILE. The rodeo is the invitational finals for the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association Great Lakes Circuit. Contestants will compete for more than $80,000 in prizes and the title of regional champion. Fans and contestants are encouraged to wear pink on Nov. 11 to show their support for the fight against breast cancer, and a portion of proceeds will be donated to Horses for Hope. For more information about the North American International Livestock Exposition and the North American Championship Rodeo, go to: www.livestockexpo.org
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Post by Press Release on Nov 10, 2011 18:08:38 GMT -5
On Veterans Day, remember those serving or who have served
Kentucky Department of Agriculture Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — On Veterans Day, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer urges all Kentuckians to remember those who have served and who are still serving in our nation’s military. “Kentuckians have a long and proud heritage of military service,” said Commissioner Farmer, whose grandfather, a veteran of World War II, resides in the Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center in Hazard. “Like me, many Kentuckians have family members who have served or are among the 1.1 million Americans currently in uniform. The rest of us owe a debt of gratitude to our men and women in the military that we can never repay. So when you see a veteran, please be sure to say, ‘Thank you.’” More than 14,000 Kentucky National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed overseas since Sept. 11, 2001, and many of them have served multiple tours of duty. Kentuckians currently are stationed in Afghanistan, Iraq, Germany, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and several other countries. Kentuckians with the 149th Maneuver-Enhancement Brigade – Task Force Legion – were part of the largest single-unit mobilization since World War II when they were deployed to Iraq a few months ago to support the transfer of authority to local nationals. Elements of this brigade have just returned home after three months in theater as units draw down from Iraq. The Kentucky Guard’s Agribusiness Development Team is helping farmers in Afghanistan improve their nation’s agricultural industry. More than 60 members who make up the third team currently are in Afghanistan using skills and experiences gained in civilian life in Kentucky to help Afghan civilian-led development and reconstruction. Kentucky was home to approximately 335,000 veterans as of May 2010, according to the Kentucky National Guard. Kentuckians have served in every American war and military conflict since the founding of the Commonwealth in 1792, and many have distinguished themselves in their service to their country, from Daniel Boone to Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer. “The world is a better place today because of the sacrifices made by Kentuckians in the military,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Thousands of Kentuckians are sacrificing time with loved ones and the comforts of home to serve their country. More than a hundred Kentucky families have lost loved ones who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan. I invite all Kentuckians on this Veterans Day to honor their sacrifice and honor the service of all Kentuckians who proudly wear the uniform around the world.”
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Post by Press Release on Nov 14, 2011 22:56:19 GMT -5
Commissioner Farmer remembers Michael Judge
'a respected leader ... and a dear friend'
Michael Judge
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer joined all of Kentucky’s agriculture community in mourning the loss of Michael Judge, an educator and former executive director of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s marketing office. Mr. Judge died Sunday at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. Michael Judge“Michael was a respected leader in Kentucky’s agricultural community,” Commissioner Farmer said. “He played a major role in elevating Kentucky Proud into a statewide movement and launched many other initiatives as our executive director of marketing. He was better known as a teacher who influenced a generation of agriculture students at Eastern Kentucky University. I will always remember him as a tireless worker for Kentucky agriculture and a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Kelly, and his children and stepchildren.” Mr. Judge, 55, was executive director of the KDA’s Office of Agricultural Marketing and Product Promotion from May 2004 to February 2008. He joined the Department in February 2004 as director of the Division of Agriculture Marketing and Agribusiness Recruitment. After he left the Department, Mr. Judge joined the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy and later returned to Eastern Kentucky University, where he had served as agriculture department chair and director of University Farms before coming to work for the KDA. Mr. Judge was a professor and director in EKU’s agriculture department from 1981-2003. Before that, he taught vocational agriculture at Scott County High School. A native of Nicholas County, Mr. Judge was a graduate of Nicholas County High School and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky. A Time of Remembrance service is scheduled for Thursday from 2-5 p.m. EST at Walnut Hall in the Keen Johnson Building at Eastern Kentucky University. Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements.
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Post by Press Release on Nov 15, 2011 18:21:04 GMT -5
Give thanks for America's abundant food supply - and the people who make it possible
By Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer
It’s easy to take agriculture for granted. Most Americans can find all the food that we ever could want just a short drive away, no matter where we live. For most of us, it has always been this way. We have come to expect it, and we may fail to appreciate the complex, efficient system that makes that possible, or the people who make that system work. That system consists of a diverse mix of professions – processors, truckers, wholesalers and retailers, as well as advertisers, researchers, brokers and bankers – whose combined efforts result in all those gleaming stores with shelves overflowing with food. But, of course, it all starts with the farmer. Farmers provide us the safest, most abundant, and most affordable food supply in the world as well as many other products that we depend upon for our quality of life. Here in Kentucky, farmers are our friends and neighbors, our community leaders, people we see at church and at the store and at the game. Many of their farms have been in their families for generations, even centuries. Farmers must endure economic uncertainty, unfavorable weather, physical dangers, and other risks that most of us could not bear. For them, it’s just part of the job. I consider it a privilege to have met many farmers in my nearly eight years as your commissioner of agriculture. I have found them to be smart, resourceful, resilient, and absolutely dedicated to their noble work. I have forged friendships with many of these fine men and women that I hope will last the rest of my days. Farmers are the center of a far-reaching team that produces and delivers America’s food from the farm to our tables. Like any other great team, this team works together, each individual filling his role and bringing her strengths to bear, to achieve a common goal. This Thanksgiving, as you express your gratitude for the blessings in your life, please join me in saying a prayer for our farmers and everyone else who makes it possible for us to enjoy an abundant feast on this holiday and every day.
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Post by In The News on Dec 27, 2011 19:50:29 GMT -5
herald-leader.com
Richie Farmer avoids divorce trial through settlement with wife
By Jack Brammer
 Richie Farmer
FRANKFORT — State Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer and his wife, Rebecca Ann Farmer, have reached a settlement in their divorce case. The two were to participate in a public trial Dec. 29. The Franklin Circuit Clerk's office said Tuesday that the trial has been canceled. Rebecca Farmer filed for divorce on April 5, two days after the couple separated. They had been married for 13 years. Farmer is state agriculture commissioner, but he will step down from the job on January 1. Farmer, a former University of Kentucky basketball star from Clay County. Read more here: www.kentucky.com/2011/12/27/2007560/richie-farmer-avoids-divorce-trial.html
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Post by Press Release on Jan 3, 2012 19:24:50 GMT -5
James Comer takes over Agriculture Commissioner office
Replaces outgoing comissioner Richie Farmer
Agriculture Commissioner James Comer takes the oath of office from Circuit Judge Eddie C. Lovelace as Comer's wife, T.J., and children Reagan (right), Harlan (behind Reagan), and Aniston look on Jan. 2 in the Capitol Rotunda.
A final message from former Commissioner Richie Farmer
Thank you, Kentucky, for eight great years
I feel that, together, we have moved Kentucky in the right direction in the eight years that I have been privileged to serve as your agriculture commissioner. I hope you agree. Here at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, we have accomplished many great things during my two terms. Here are just a few. The Kentucky Proud farm marketing program had just a few dozen members when I took office. Today, more than 2,800 farmers, processors, retailers, restaurants, school systems, farmers’ markets, state parks, and Kentucky Farm Bureau roadside markets are members of Kentucky Proud. The program generated more than $200 million in retail sales of Kentucky farm products just through member retailers in 2010. I still believe we’ve only scratched the surface of Kentucky Proud’s potential impact to Kentucky agriculture and Kentucky’s economy as a whole. In 2009, the Department opened a state-of-the-art motor fuel and pesticide testing laboratory that gives the state the capacity to test in excess of 20,000 samples of motor fuel a year. Until the lab was completed, Kentucky was sending fuel samples to an out-of-state lab, and we could afford to test only a few hundred samples a year. I didn’t think that made sense, so I went to the General Assembly to propose that we build a lab of our own, and our legislators wisely agreed to invest $1.65 million in the project. Today, we’re much better able to protect consumers from buying bad gas than we were in the past. Eventually, this facility could provide a new revenue stream as other agencies and other states utilize the lab’s testing services. During my tenure, the state veterinarian’s office has been more active than perhaps at any time in its history. State Veterinarian Robert C. Stout and his staff have addressed outbreaks of avian influenza, bovine tuberculosis, contagious equine metritis, West Nile virus, and other livestock diseases in recent years. At the same time, the state vet’s office was charged with managing the largest equine airlift in history for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Through it all, the men and women of the state veterinarian’s office carried out their duties with dedication and professionalism. The health of Kentucky’s livestock herds could not be in better hands. I’ve always felt strongly that preparing our young people for adulthood should be one of our top priorities. In my first year, we launched the Kentucky Proud Points Program to encourage more youth to show livestock and compete for points at livestock shows, including the three junior livestock expos and the Kentucky State Fair. Last year, we started the Kentucky Proud Livestock Tag Program to provide incentives for exhibitors to use Kentucky animals for their projects. At my direction, the Department has contributed more than $850,000 to Kentucky 4-H and Kentucky FFA in the past eight years. There isn’t space enough here to talk about all the other good things the Kentucky Department of Agriculture does and the people who work hard for you every single day. The services the department provides for farmers and consumers are essential to maintaining the quality of life that all Kentuckians expect and deserve. I’m Kentucky Proud of everything this department has accomplished on my watch and humbled by the effort and dedication of the department’s employees. Together, we have left the department, and the Commonwealth, better than we found it. I hope my service as your agriculture commissioner has benefited you and your family in some small way. As I leave office, I wish you all the best, and I look forward to seeing you somewhere in our Commonwealth of which we are all Kentucky Proud. 
Commissioner Richie Farmer
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