2024 KFB Excellence in Ag Winner
Bethany Mattingly
Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) today announced that Bethany Mattingly of Jefferson County has been named the winner of its 2024 KFB Excellence in Agriculture award.
Each year, KFB awards first, second and third place “Excellence in Agriculture” distinctions to individuals or couples under the age of 35 who contribute to, and exhibit leadership growth from, consistent involvement in Farm Bureau and other agriculture and civic-oriented organizations. To be eligible for this award, the majority of nominees’ income must not come from active agriculture production.
Mattingly grew up on a tobacco, hay, row crop and beef farm in New Albany, Ind. As she saw her family farm stand solid against urban sprawl, she found her passion in educating others about the value of agriculture. She has dedicated her life to opening doors for young people to the agriculture industry, ensuring access to agriculture knowledge, and telling the story of agriculture and its stewardship of the land.
Mattingly has served as a Kentucky Master Agriculture Teacher and FFA advisor for the past 12 years. She earned her bachelor of science degree in agriculture education and a master of science in education leadership. When she became an FFA advisor in 2012, her chapter had only 11 members, none of whom earned ag-related certifications. Under Mattingly’s leadership, the chapter has grown to more than 250 members and earned numerous awards, with 98% and 100% of students passing industry certifications in plant and environmental science, respectively. Mattingly also owns a farm in Henry County that is home to more than 100 breeding ewes, rams and lambs and a growing orchard.
She has served on the Jefferson County Farm Bureau board of directors since 2018, holding the position of secretary from 2019-22. Mattingly has also served on many of the organization’s working committees, including Women’s, Safety, Young Farmer, Education, FFA/4H and County Projects. She has actively participated in both state and national Farm Bureau discussions and conferences, held leadership positions in the Kentucky Association of Agriculture Educators and represented Kentucky at the National FFA Convention.
Mattingly will receive a John Deere side-by-side from Farm Credit Mid-America and will represent Kentucky in the national competition at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in January. Second-place winner Kendal Bowman of Owen County was awarded $400 by KFB. Third place went to Austin and Rachel Cole of Warren County, who received $300 from KFB.