News
Hickman County Emergency Management was out in full force when the early April torrential downpours created historic flooding, hitting west Kentucky especially hard. 
Farmers prep for ‘rolling into the night’
By Bobbie Curd After historic rainfall, flooding and then freezing, a senior meteorologist and a farmer say planters are getting ready to maximize those warm, dry windows as they come through in …
Elmwood Stock Farm gears up for events
By Bobbie Curd Historically, family-owned Elmwood Stock Farm in Scott County was operated as a farmers’ market business. Now, it’s a sixth-generation family business on a 400-acre …
A new planting season sprouts new hope
American humorist, the late Will Rogers once said, “The farmer has to be an optimist, or he wouldn’t still be a farmer.” Fortunately for all of us, farm families everywhere begin …
Adult periodical cicada. Photo source: University of Kentucky Department of Entomology.
Bourbon Brood of periodical cicadas ready to sing this spring
Kentucky will be the epicenter for the emergence of Brood XIV of 17-year periodical cicadas this spring. Designated the “Bourbon Brood” by University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of …
The Taylor County Extension staff celebrated Pat Hardesty’s retirement with a reception. Pictured (from left) are area director Jeff Casada, Rebecca Despain, Kimberly Hope-Thomas, Carolyn Morris, Pat Hardesty, Kara Back, Angela Rodgers, Kelly Rexroat, and Elizabeth Burton.
Pat Hardesty retires as Taylor County Extension Agent
Pat Hardesty retired on March 31 after 40 years as Taylor County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources.  Residents of Taylor County came together to honor Hardesty, and he …
Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell awarded six Kentucky high school student-athletes 2025 Kentucky High School Athletic Association-Kentucky Department of Agriculture Ag Athletes of the Year awards during the KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® State Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena Friday night in Lexington. Pictured are, from left, Kenton Johnson, Jackson Major, Aiden Manley, Commissioner Shell, Abby Knarr, Harper Richey, and Laney Pease. (Kentucky Department of Agriculture)
2025 KHSAA-KDA Ag Athletes of the Year announced
Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell awarded six Kentucky high school student-athletes involved in agriculture the 2025 Kentucky High School Athletic Association-Kentucky Department of Agriculture …
‘Good fences make good neighbors’
The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Master Grazer program, in conjunction with the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council and Kentucky Beef Network, …
‘It’s not just about the bottom line’
Economists say inflation is here to stay, at least through 2025. And food banks are reporting unprecedented demands on programs that have been working harder to combat rising food …
Comer discusses farm bill, tariffs
By Toni Riley HOPKINSVILLE, KY. – First District Congressman James Comer, citing a dependable food supply as essential to national security, discussed the importance of the Farm Bill at the …
Our Columnists
A look at agriculture legislation this session
As Commissioner of Agriculture, I know the value, both from a quality-of-life standpoint and economically, agriculture has for Kentucky and its residents. The positive agricultural bills passed …
Trade war costs will be more than taxpayer money
The Trump Administration may grant U.S. agriculture special exemptions from parts of its ever-changing tariff regime but it can’t exempt it from everyday economic reality. That mainstay of …
Kentucky Pork Producers advocate on the Hill
Kentucky Pork producers Eric Heard and Sarah Hawkins traveled to Washington D.C. on April 8 through April 10 to participate in the National Pork Producers Council Spring Legislative Action Conference …