Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) today announced that Brenda Paul of Bourbon County has been selected as the 2024 KFB Kentucky Farmer of the Year. She will be presented with this prestigious award during the organization’s annual meeting in December.  

The annual KFB Farmer of the Year award recognizes an individual whose efforts strengthen the state’s agriculture industry and demonstrate service and leadership, both on and off the farm. 

Brenda Paul and her husband, Austin, have led a successful farming operation, Timberlawn Farm, since 1994. The farm, located in Paris, Ky., raises beef cattle, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and other forage crops, as well as Thoroughbred horses. Brenda Paul also co-owns Cattle Marketing Group (CMG), a nationwide cattle dealer, with her husband. The couple’s two sons have joined their parents in the family businesses, with Nelson working full time at Timberlawn Farm, and Spencer focusing most of his time at CMG and working part time at the farm.

“I am honored to be selected as Kentucky Farm Bureau’s Farmer of the Year,” said Paul. “Operating a family farm is hard work, but incredibly rewarding. I have enjoyed facing challenges to grow our farm business these past 30 years and plan to identify new ways we can continue to expand our operations, thrive as a family farm, and serve our community.”

Paul is known for her resilience, often taking setbacks and turning them into opportunities to increase the farm’s efficiency and ensure its longevity. This was her second year as a finalist in the Farmer of the Year program. 

“Brenda has shown tremendous leadership, perseverance, and tenacity not only on the farm, but in her community,” said KFB President Eddie Melton. “She has a passion for excellence, whether that’s in enhancing agricultural practices through technology or elevating operations through her sharp business insights and strategic financial management.”

For more information about the program, click HERE.