Kentucky Agriculture continues to evolve. With a new Kentucky Department of Agriculture administration taking over in January 2024, the Kentucky Agricultural Council (KAC) started work to develop a new vision and action plan with the input of Kentucky’s agricultural stakeholders. The Kentucky Agricultural Strategic Roadmap isn’t just about improving the state’s farms and helping farmers – it’s about strengthening their place in communities and improving quality of life and economic vitality across Kentucky.

According to KAC executive secretary Jennifer Elwell, this will be the third time the umbrella group of Kentucky’s agricultural organizations has taken on this task. The first plan was released in 2007, followed by a plan in 2013.

“While the KAC board initially planned to move forward with plan development in 2018, we felt that Kentucky Department of Agriculture and Kentucky Agricultural Development Board leadership were successfully continuing to address the needs of Kentucky’s farmers and agribusinesses,” remarked Elwell. “COVID further delayed a new plan.”

While continuing to hold regular member meetings for networking, education, and program updates, KAC had operated for several years without staff support. The board hired Elwell in July 2022 to assist and start the strategic planning process again.

“I believed the mission of the Kentucky Agricultural Council, promoting and educating about Kentucky agriculture, was a great companion to what I was already doing with the Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom,” said Elwell. “I also saw the job as a way to connect with more of Kentucky’s agriculture groups and find ways to help them achieve their missions.”

KAC requested proposals for strategic planning services in August 2023 and awarded the contract to Michele Payn of Cause Matters, Corp in November. While several entities in Kentucky had previously worked with the Indiana-based agriculture consultant, her proposal included assistance from Murray State University’s Dr. Kristie Guffey. Guffey, originally from Trigg County, has held several leadership roles with Kentucky’s organizations.

“Excited does not describe how I felt when I learned that Michele and Kristie were interested in working together on this project,” Elwell said. “Their experience will serve Kentucky agriculture well.”

Payn and Guffey led an initial discussion with agriculture organization leaders at the November KAC members’ meeting. Payn facilitated small focus group sessions in December, which will continue in January. An initial report will be provided at the February 15 KAC Annual Meeting; the final roadmap is set to be published and distributed in late 2024.

Elwell said the goal is to receive input from as many agriculture stakeholders as possible, including a diverse set of farmers, food processors, and agricultural support staff. Board members also wanted a roadmap of concrete, achievable goals and a list of responsible parties who will take the necessary action to achieve those goals.

“We want everyone involved in farming to feel they own this vision for Kentucky agriculture,” explained Elwell. “That ownership will hopefully result in an investment of time and funds to do the work to better serve the agriculture community.”