Carlisle County
Farm Profiles
Kelley Farms
Kelley Farms is operated by Steve and Melanie Kelley in Bardwell, Ky. Steve returned to his home farm after graduating from Murray State in 1973. He has expanded the farm with his wife to raise row crops, beef cattle, and 2,500 acres of hay.
Steve said his purpose is to leave his farmland in better condition than when he received it. “This isn’t only my duty as a farmer, but my joy.” They use cover crops and other best practices to conserve soil, water, and nutrients.
In addition to his grain and livestock operation, Kelley also has a solar farm, timberland to produce saw logs, and leases land for duck, deer, and turkey hunting.
Steve Kelley was named the Kentucky Farmer of the Year in 2019 by the Kentucky Farm Bureau.