Establishing buffer strips, crop rotations, no-till practices, and cover crops have reduced soil erosion and improved water quality at their beef cattle and grain farm. Selective harvesting and thinning overgrowth promote the quality of timber in the farm’s 125 acres of forests. Planting trees and native grasses has created a habitat for wildlife and insect pollinators.
Read MoreThe University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Horse Council, committed to both safeguarding and promoting the well-being of equines and equine agriculture in the state, recently collaborated on the 2022 Kentucky Equine Survey. The report gathered data on all Kentucky horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules.
Read More“We started with a little, tiny plot out front…Every year we expanded a little bit more. Now it is a pretty major source of income, where before it was just a hobby,” Diane Vetters said. The process of growing effectively and thoughtfully is one that the Vetters have adjusted and made improvements to over the years.
Read More“In June, we want to celebrate the hard work and resiliency of Kentucky’s dairy farmers,” Commissioner Quarles said. “With the constant pressure on our agriculture producers to adapt to change, we can look at our dairy partners as a group who has made those needed changes and continues to provide the wholesome and nutritious dairy products we have always enjoyed. June is the perfect time to celebrate Dairy Month and honor the service and the hard work of the Kentucky dairy farmer.”
Read MoreExplore the essential role of agriculture youth organizations. This blog delves into how these groups shape future agricultural leaders, fostering leadership, resilience, and environmental stewardship. Discover how investing in these organizations contributes to securing the future of sustainable agriculture.
Read MoreState fairs are one of America's beloved traditions, dating back to the early 19th century when agriculture was the backbone of the country's economy. Although society has greatly evolved since then, the significant role of agriculture in state fairs remains unaltered. These fairs not only showcase the finest agricultural produce and livestock but also provide an educative and engaging platform to celebrate and learn about farming and food production.
Read MoreDiscover the economic and agricultural significance of bourbon distilleries in Kentucky. From driving job creation and tourism to preserving cultural heritage and supporting local farmers, explore how bourbon distilleries play a vital role in the state's economy. Uncover the power of bourbon in shaping Kentucky's identity as the Bourbon Capital of the World.
Read MoreDiscover how robotics is revolutionizing agriculture in Kentucky. From precision farming and crop monitoring to livestock management and data-driven decision-making, robots are enhancing efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in the state's farming practices. Embrace the transformative power of robotics and unlock the potential for a prosperous and sustainable future in Kentucky's agricultural landscape.
Read MoreDiscover the crucial role of agricultural career education in Kentucky schools. This blog emphasizes how these programs prepare students for an evolving industry, promote sustainability, ensure food security, and support Kentucky's economy. The importance of nurturing our next generation of agriculturists is underscored for the preservation of our rich agricultural tradition.
Read MoreThe USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) continually works with farmers across the country in the pursuit of improved water quality and finding ways to reduce plant nutrients and soil entering our nation’s waterways. The NRCS national Edge-of-Field Monitoring program, begun in 2013 and conducted in impaired watersheds across the country, measures best management practices to reduce surface water runoff from agricultural lands.
Read MoreA task force has been charged with finding solutions to Kentucky’s large-animal veterinarian shortage.
Read MorePing Dairy in Pulaski County is the reigning winner of the Kentucky Dairy Development Council’s (KDDC) Highest Milk Quality Award. Members of the Ping family are, from left: Andrea, Adam, Brooklyn, and Haley, along with Haley’s boyfriend, Jaden, who works full-time at the family’s dairy. The Ping family also won the most recent Top Quality Herd Award given by the council last year and five of the past six awards in that category. (KDDC photo)
Read MoreKentucky agriculture thrives on its community network, highlighting the power of mutual support and knowledge exchange. This community-centric model promotes agricultural success, boosts the local economy, protects the environment, and cultivates future generations of farmers. The strength of the community is not just beneficial—it's indispensable to Kentucky's agricultural way of life.
Read MoreNetwork security is the backbone of digital operations, and farming is no exception. As farming equipment becomes more interconnected, the potential for cybersecurity breaches increases. A breach could compromise a farm's operations, leading to substantial financial losses and even potential safety risks.
Read MoreIn Carter County lies the town of Grayson. It is home to McGlone Farms and Kee’s Farm Service. McGlone Farms has been in operation for six generations and traces its roots back to 1883. Kee’s Farm Service hasn’t been around nearly that long, but about ten years ago, it was purchased by Hannah and Jason McGlone, and business has certainly changed since Hannah took over.
Read MoreFarmers are always thinking, and many spend a great deal of time trying to figure out how to bring their kids back to the farm or how to make their operation such that there is enough cash flow to support the next generation. One component of the agriculture industry that is especially appealing to younger farmers is that of precision ag.
Read MoreErosion can be a very gradual process. Naturally, erosion occurs everywhere. Energy in rain drops or wind detaches particles at the soil surface, then moves these mineral and carbon particles downslope or down-wind to another location. In the Great Plains and further west, this energy is most often provided by the wind. But in the east, including Kentucky, the energy is provided in the form of raindrops.
Read MoreIf there’s a product more authentically Kentucky than bourbon, it’s country ham. Curing-savvy European immigrants came to America with hams aboard ship, and they continued that preservation tradition long after moving into what would become the Bluegrass State.
Read MoreScientists have collaborated to produce the first gene-edited calf with resistance to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a virus that costs the U.S. cattle sector billions of dollars annually.
Read MoreWhile Kentucky conjures up images of Bourbon, college basketball, the Derby, and mint juleps, it also claims to be home to the first commercial vineyard in the United states (1799), and at one time the producer of half the nation’s wine.
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