Kentucky Agricultural News

Lynn's is a paradise of Kentucky Proud foods.

2009-11-09T12:44:00.000-05:00

A Kentucky Proud profile

Lynn's Paradise Café lights up the neighborhood at night. (Photo courtesy Patty Schnatter)

Native Kentuckian Lynn Winter’s eclectic Louisville restaurant serves delicious, Southern-style food, with as much of it as possible grown and produced in Kentucky. But what sets Lynn’s apart from other eateries is its quirky décor, much of it created by local artists... more.

The décor inside Lynn's is always lively and colorful. (Chris Aldridge photo)

Kentucky Proud has made great strides - but it's just scratched the surface

2009-11-06T12:45:00.000-05:00

Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

As vice chair of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board and chairman of the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation, I have been pleased to play a role in helping to diversify Kentucky’s agricultural industry. ... more

KDA News Releases, 2009

2009-11-04T13:49:00.000-05:00

2009

(11/3/09) Commissioner Farmer Honors Kentucky Proud Points Winners
(11/2/09) Kentucky Department of Agriculture staff ready to work North American Livestock Expo
(10/27/09) Documentary Celebrates History, Resurgence of Kentucky's Grape and Wine Industry
(10/16/09) KDA Receiving Nearly $238,000 in Specialty Crop Grants From USDA
(10/14/09) Kentucky sheep and goat producers approve checkoffs
(10/12/09) Program Provides Incentives for New Large/Food Animal Vets
(10/6/09) Commissioner Farmer Honors Schools for Winning HealthierUS Gold Awards
(9/17/09) Horses from Hoosier Park Banned from Kentucky Tracks, Training Facilities
(9/16/09) Grants Improve Fair Facilities and Stimulate Rural Communities
(9/15/09) Commissioner Farmer: Follow the Law on Ginseng Harvest and Sale
(9/14/09) Commissioner Farmer Encourages Kentuckians to Celebrate Agritourism Month in September
(8/28/09) Commissioner Farmer congratulates producers for Record $4.84 Billion in Farm Cash Receipts
(8/26/09) 'Agriculture Adventures: Kentucky' to Return Thanks to Owensboro Museum of Science and History
(8/24/09) Roy, Branstetter Earn Top Dairy Awards
(8/21/09) John Deere, KDA Launch New Rollover Tractor Simulator
(8/20/09) Kentucky Proud Incredible Food Show Announces New Menu of Seminars, Workshops and Cookbook Authors
(8/18/09) Kentucky Wineries Excel in State Fair Competition
(8/17/09) KDA's Environmental Services Staff Helps Pesticide Industry Follow the Law
(8/12/09) KDA Will Make Donations to Kentucky 4-H and FFA
(8/10/09) Program Offers Marketing Funds for Small Kentucky Food Businesses
(8/6/09) Kentucky gentleman Mobley makes cigars with a unique twist.
(8/4/09) Program rewards restaurants for serving Kentucky Proud foods.
(8/5/09) Trade Office Provides Valuable Services to Kentucky Businesses in Mexico
(7/27/09) Commissioner Farmer Issues 'Eat Local' Challenge
(7/24/09) Two Spencer County FFA Members Among American Star Finalists
(7/15/09) KDA unveils new fuel testing lab.
(7/14/09) Kentucky Gets Lion's Share of Federal Disaster Aid
(7/7/09) Commissioner Farmer Joins Dignitaries in Honoring Kentucky Agribusiness Unit
(6/24/09) State Quarantines 20 Counties to Contain Emerald Ash Borer
(6/16/09) KDA imposes restrictions on livestock from Nebraska, Texas.
(6/11/09) Sheep, Goat Referenda Scheduled for Oct. 1
(6/9/09) FSA Takes Nominations for County Committees
(6/8/09) Department Continues Probe Into June 1 Accident
(6/1/09) Malloys Take Alpacas For A Spin
(5/26/09) Seafood Title On the Line in Cook Off
(5/19/09) Board Improves CPH-45 Program
(5/18/09) Legends Honor Kentucky's Dairy Farmers
(5/11/09) Commissioner Farmer: Agritourism offers affordable family farm fun
(5/5/09) Commissioner Farmer says test your forages
(4/29/09) Commissioner Farmer says pork consumption not a risk factor for swine flu
(4/27/09) Kentucky Proud Takes the Lead at 2009 Derby Breakfast May 2
(4/22/09) Commissioner Farmer Blasts FDA Over New Rule That Will Harm American Animal Agriculture
(4/9/09) Commissioner Farmer mourns the loss of Emily Peck, 90, of Ruth Hunt Candies
(4/9/09) Western Kentucky Backyard Flocks Test Negative for Avian Influenza
(4/7/09) Sheep, Goat Groups Seek Check-off Referenda
(4/3/09) Avian Influenza Found on Western Kentucky Poultry Farm
(3/31/09) Commissioner Farmer: Practice Egg Safety This Easter
(3/30/09) Dairy Exhibitors Converge on Louisville for Kentucky Nationals and Kow-A-Rama
(3/30/09) Kentucky wineries strike gold.
(3/30/09) State Vet Says Kentucky Stallions Free of CEM
(3/24/09) Commissioner Farmer Praises Legislation That Will Strengthen Kentucky Agriculture
(3/19/09) Commissioner Farmer applauds FDA decision to delay implementing feed ban rule.
(3/16/09) Commissioner Farmer Asks Senators to Back Bill Prohibiting EPA From Regulating Livestock
(3/11/09) 4-H Councils, FFA Chapters Receive $80,000 in Agriculture Achiever Grants
(3/10/09) Commissioner Farmer Honors Contest Winners
(3/9/09) Commissioner Farmer Hails New Law Creating Trust Fund for Ag Programs
(3/3/09) Three Beekeeping Schools Coming in Next Five Weeks
(3/2/09) 20,000 Buyers Expected for Premier Beef Expo
(2/26/09) Wisconsin Stallions Must Test Negative for CEM Before Entering Kentucky
(2/23/09) Safety program a model worth copying.
(2/17/09) State Motor Fuel Lab Aces First Test
(2/16/09) A commitment to youth.
(2/10/09) Kentucky Farmers Rack Up $4.82 Billion in Sales of Farm Products in 2007
(2/9/09) Shared-use equipment program benefits livestock industry in Lincoln County.
(2/9/09) Kentucky Wines earn national acclaim.
(2/6/09) Tobacco settlement funds spearhead agricultural diversification in Washington County.
(2/5/09) Early Bird Rate Extended for Agritourism Conference
(2/3/09) Poster and Essay Contest Deadline Extended
(2/2/09) Commissioner Farmer calls for disaster declaration.
(2/2/09) Kentucky maintains fifth place in goat production.
(1/26/09) E-newsletter provides timely ag news.
(1/26/09) Agricultural Development Funds Enable Daviess Business to Grow
(1/26/09) Agricultural Development Funds Reach 700 Madison County Farmers
(1/26/09) High School, Dairy Farm Take Advantage of Agricultural Development Fund
(1/26/09) Tastes Like Italy But Made in Kentucky: Porchetta Primata Gets National Acclaim
(1/26/09) Henry County Couple Uses Ag Development Funds to Change Tobacco Farm Into Wine Country
(1/22/09) Greenhouse, Multipurpose Facility Enhance County's Quality of Life
(1/22/09) Welding Class Funded By Ag Development Money Helps Farmers Learn a Valuable Time-Saving Skill
(1/22/09) Lewis County Farmers Improve Fencing, Save Labor, Build Farmers' Market With Ag Development Funds
(1/22/09) Ag Development Funds Help Carter Farmers Make Up for Decline in Tobacco Income
(1/22/09) Ag Development Money Helped Fund Processing Plant and Retail Store
(1/21/09) Commissioner Richie Farmer: The Agricultural Development Fund Is An Economic Development Success Story
(1/20/09) Dairy Producers Hold Barn Meetings Across the State Jan. 20-Feb. 24
(1/20/09) Spay-neuter funds will be administered at the county level in 2009
(1/19/09) Officials show they K.A.R.E. with drought aid program.
(1/16/09) Kentucky Proud Takes the Lead At First Black-Tie Inaugural Ball
(1/12/09) State-of-the-art fuel lab protects Kentucky motorists.
(1/5/2009) Agritourism web site offers choice of more than 300 fun destinations.
(1/5/09) Students Can Use Words and Pictures to Show Why 'I Am Kentucky Proud'

Coming Up:

2009-11-04T13:48:00.001-05:00

Kentucky agritourism events

UK Equine Initiative Distinguished Industry Lecture Series

Kentucky Women in Agriculture Conference

AgriBusiness Association of Kentucky annual meeting

Healthy Foods, Local Farms Garden Party and Conference

North American International Livestock Exposition

Bluegrass Agritourism Association fall luncheon

Your Future With Horses: Kentucky Horse Council career fair

Kentucky Horse Council annual conference

Kentucky State Beekeepers Association fall conference

Extension Disaster Education Network Food Protection Conference

Kentucky Farm Bureau 90th annual meeting

Pesticide training schedule

View the KDA Calendar of Events here.

Youth livestock exhibitors honored

2009-11-04T13:47:00.000-05:00

Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, center in back row, congratulates the top competitors in beef showmanship during the sixth annual Kentucky Proud Points luncheon Oct. 31 in Frankfort. Pictured are, from left: front row - Callie Mobley, Jessica Johnson, Austin Penick, Morgan Anderson and Tyler Hamilton; back row - Wes Korthaus (beef showmanship champion), Commissioner Farmer and Carter Mobley. Korthaus also was the overall beef champion. (Photo by Ted Sloan)

“The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is pleased to fund programs like Kentucky Proud Points that involve our youth in a positive activity,” Commissioner Farmer said. ... more

Look for more pictures from the sixth annual Kentucky Proud Points luncheon at www.kyagr.com and on the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's page on Facebook.

Kentucky Department of Agriculture staff ready to work North American Livestock Expo.

2009-11-03T11:29:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, November 2, 2009

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The world’s largest all-breed, purebred livestock exposition again will depend on Kentucky Department of Agriculture employees for a smooth 14-day run when the 36th edition of the North American International Livestock Exposition opens Nov. 7 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

“The North American brings millions of dollars and a tremendous amount of prestige to Kentucky every year,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “The Kentucky Department of Agriculture plays an important role in running the shows, protecting the animals from disease and making our visitors feel welcome. I’m proud to be a part of this outstanding event.”

Staff from the Office of the State Veterinarian visually inspect each animal and validate the accompanying veterinary documentation to ensure than animal health requirements are met. Employees of the Division of Show and Fair Promotion and other divisions work the livestock shows and judging contests. The KDA’s marketing office helps arrange rooms for staff, work the show offices, and set up Kentucky Proud vendors to sell their products at the exposition.

More than 22,000 livestock entries in 10 divisions are expected to compete for nearly $750,000 in premiums and awards at the North American. The event attracts more than 200,000 exhibitors and visitors to the Kentucky Exposition Center’s 1.2 million square feet of climate-controlled space each year.

The 31st annual North American Championship Rodeo will be held Nov. 12-14 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in conjunction with the NAILE. The rodeo is the invitational finals for the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association Great Lakes Circuit. Contestants will compete for more than $80,000 in prizes and the title of Regional Champion.

For more information about the North American International Livestock Exposition and the North American Championship Rodeo, go to www.livestockexpo.org.www.livestockexpo.org

Documentary Celebrates History, Resurgence of Kentucky's Grape and Wine Industry

2009-10-29T12:02:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

For more information contact:
Ted Sloan

(502) 564-1138

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — “Vintage Kentucky: The Vine to Wine Experience” tells the story of Kentucky’s wine industry from its status as a national leader in the 1800s, to its demise as a result of Prohibition, to its current re-emergence. The 30-minute documentary, a project by the Kentucky Grape and Wine Council and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, will be shown statewide on KET with the first airing on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 10:30 p.m. Eastern time (dates and times of additional airings are available at www.ket.org). The film, produced by New West LLC and The PPS Group, will have its private premiere showing on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. at The Kentucky Center in Louisville.

“Kentucky’s history as being among the world leaders in growing grapes and producing quality wines is a fascinating story,” said Dennis Walter, president of the Kentucky Grape and Wine Council. “We want to let people know about that history, but more importantly we want them to know what’s happening now as we re-claim that history. More and more vineyards are springing up across the Commonwealth, and wonderful wines are being made and enjoyed right here.”

“Kentucky Proud wineries are growing all over the Commonwealth,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “This documentary will introduce viewers to a few of the people who are operating these wineries and producing award-winning wines. I urge everyone to watch this program and get to know these innovative, hard-working Kentuckians.”

Kentucky became home to the nation’s first commercial vineyard when in 1798 the Marquis de Lafayette’s winemaker, Jean-Jacques Dufour, planted what he called the “First Vineyard” on 600 acres of land in what is now Jessamine County. By the late 1800s Kentucky had become the country’s third-largest grape and wine producer. The industry was wiped out by Prohibition and didn’t begin its resurrection until 1976, when Kentucky lawmakers passed a bill allowing wineries to operate. Today Kentucky has more than 50 wineries and an estimated 500 acres dedicated to the growing of grapes.

“Vintage Kentucky: The Vine to Wine Experience” is the culmination of a year’s worth of work. After the Kentucky Grape and Wine Council and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture commissioned the production, filming began in August 2008 and was completed by the end of July 2009. The film features Kentucky vineyard owners, winemakers and 10 wineries. Scientists and wine industry experts from the University of Kentucky, who have helped Kentucky farmers make the transition to growing grapes, also appear in the film.

Already, the industry’s resurgence is having an impact on state tourism. Fueled by consumer interest in agritourism and the support of local farmers and businesses, visitation at Kentucky’s wineries continues to grow, and wineries offer a wide variety of experiences such as wine tastings, concerts, theme dinners, art shows and family-friendly events.

To find out more about Kentucky’s grape and wine industry, go to www.kentuckywine.com. For more information about the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s grape and wine marketing program, go to www.kyagr.com/marketing/plantmktg/grape.htm.

—30—

Above: Dr. Tom Cottrell, Extension enologist with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, is interviewed in "Vintage Kentucky."

Top: A wine tasting at Talon Winery and Vineyards near Lexington is depicted in "Vintage Kentucky."

Kentucky Market Prices

2009-10-16T17:26:00.000-04:00

KENTUCKY LIVESTOCK AND GRAIN MARKET REPORT:

October 16, 2009 (pdf)

KDA receives nearly $238,000 in Special Crop Grants from USDA.

2009-10-16T17:22:00.002-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, October 16, 2009

For more information contact:

Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Agriculture was awarded a $237,590 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of Kentucky specialty crops.

"This grant will help Kentucky Proud producers add, expand and market their specialty crops," Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “These crops create new direct marketing opportunities for producers while promoting new types of fresh, locally-grown food."

The grant will fund five KDA projects that are among 745 approved in 55 USDA grants totaling $49 million. They include:

· $61,997.73 to hire a marketing specialist for two years to focus on the promotion and development of specialty crops for sale through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) producers and farmers’ markets. This project has the potential to positively affect up to 100 producers and 5,000 consumers. Its goal is to increase farmers’ market sales by 5 percent by 2011 and encourage the start of several new CSAs in Kentucky.

· $80,000 to develop and execute four research projects to control pests on organic specialty crops. Kentucky also has large Amish and Mennonite communities which largely adhere to organic principles. Effective and economical organic crop protection strategies would allow Kentucky producers to increase their acreage.

· $40,000 for the KDA to partner with an educational institution to create or modify recipes for specialty crops. The project aims to increase the awareness of the availability and nutritional value of Kentucky specialty crops through new recipes, increase specialty crop sales across the state and to provide those that do food demonstrations around the state with healthy recipe cards that promote local products.

· $40,000 to develop and implement a series of Healthy Living Through Food forums to connect Kentucky specialty crop producers or their products with larger scale buyers in educational institutions or corporations for use in cafeterias and restaurants. The project hopes to affect at least 30 Kentucky specialty crop producers by solidifying relationships with at least two organizations that have large institutional buying capabilities.

· $15,000 for the KDA and Kentucky State University to educate at least 200 socially-disadvantaged, small or beginning farmers on growing blackberries, currents, edamame, gooseberries, grapes, kale, lettuce, okra, pawpaws, sweet corn, spinach and tomatoes.

—30—

New program is aimed at stemming shortage of large/food animal veterinarians in Kentucky

2009-10-16T12:02:00.001-04:00

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

I’m pleased to announce the launch of a program aimed at encouraging new veterinarians, vet technicians and technologists to enter large/food animal veterinary practices.

The Kentucky Large/Food Animal Veterinary Incentive Program is accepting applications through Dec. 1 to repay up to $6,000 a year of outstanding student loans of eligible applicants who work in a practice that does mostly large/food animal medicine.

This program is very important to Kentucky’s animal agriculture industry and our food supply. There are about 1,400 accredited veterinarians in Kentucky, but only 235 work with large animals, and 56 of them – nearly 24 percent – are more than 60 years old. Many of those 56 are retired or practicing on a limited basis. Some 40 Kentucky counties do not have a veterinarian to tend to cattle, horses or other farm animals.

Veterinarians today tend to have less farm experience and interest than those of 30 years ago. Increasingly, veterinary school graduates tend to enter more lucrative small-animal practices in cities. Large-animal veterinarians are leaving their practices faster than they can be replaced.

Livestock account for about $3 billion a year in farm cash receipts, so it’s important to Kentucky’s economy that we have enough vets to keep all of our animals healthy and help authorities maintain surveillance for foreign animal disease.

A survey of recent veterinary school graduates in large/food-animal practices found that 93 percent were proud to be in food supply veterinary medicine, 71 percent had not considered leaving the field and 83 percent indicated they were satisfied with their occupation. So there’s reason to believe that most incoming veterinarians who enter a predominantly large/food animal practice will stay in the field. This new program is intended to start more new veterinarians on that career path.

Eligible veterinarians, vet technicians and technologists may apply within two years after getting their degrees in veterinary medicine from an accredited college or university, or completing an accredited two-year vet technician or four-year technologist program. Applicants also must be in their first or second year of working in a Kentucky practice that devotes at least half of its time to large/food animals. Preference will be given to Kentucky residents who are working in an area of defined need.

The 2010 recipients will be announced on Jan. 30. Each year, a committee made up of representatives of livestock groups and other agricultural organizations involved in the initiative will select up to three recipients, who may receive payments for up to three years as long as they continue to practice mostly large/food animal medicine.

I’m vice chairman of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, and the other members and I believed in this program so much that we invested $1 million in it. Kentucky Farm Bureau is administering the program on behalf of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation, which launched the initiative after receiving a $100,000 donation for the purpose of encouraging large animal practice in the state.

Along with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Farm Bureau, the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation and the Agricultural Development board, five other organizations are helping make this program possible: the Kentucky Dairy Development Council, the Kentucky Pork Producers Association, the Kentucky Poultry Federation, the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office, and the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association.

Potential applicants looking for more information or wishing to download an application may go to www.kyfb.com/federation. A completed application and supporting materials must be submitted to the Kentucky Farm Bureau State Office in Louisville for an applicant to be considered for the program.

Applications must be postmarked no later than Dec. 1 or hand-delivered to the Kentucky Farm Bureau State Office by that date. Applications may be mailed to: Scholarship Coordinator, KFB Education Foundation, 9201 Bunsen Parkway, P.O. Box 20700, Louisville, KY 40250-0700.

Montgomery County Schools join Kentucky Proud.

2009-10-15T11:05:00.000-04:00

Commissioner Farmer thanks Julie Tuttle, school nutrition director for Montgomery County Schools, for her efforts in getting local produce into the schools. (Ted Sloan photo)

Montgomery County school children get farm-fresh fruits and vegetables at the school cafeterias thanks to the efforts of Julie Tuttle, the school system’s school nutrition director. ... more.

Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer and Mary Alice Collier, assistant principal at Mt. Sterling Elementary School, discuss the school's use of local produce in front of a display of local farmers who supply fruits and vegetables to the local schools. (Ted Sloan photo)

Kentucky sheep and goat producers approve checkoffs.

2009-10-14T14:32:00.002-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
For more information contact:
Bill Clary
(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer announced that Kentucky sheep and goat producers voted in favor of check-offs to assess themselves at a rate of one-half of one percent (.50%) of the net market price of their animals.

In separate referenda held Oct. 1 in county Extension offices throughout the Commonwealth, goat producers approved check-offs by a 75-41 vote, and sheep producers approved by a 32-12 count.

A date when check-off funds will begin to be collected has not been determined. Ray Bowman, executive director of the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office, said the start date will be set after consulting with stockyards.

The collection of check-off funds will be mandatory, but reimbursement of funds paid will be an option to the producer. The Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association and the Kentucky Goat Producers Association will administer the funds in the areas of promotion, consumer information, producer communication, industry information and research.

Program Provides Incentives for New Large/Food Animal Vets.

2009-10-12T10:27:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, October 12, 2009

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — A new program aimed at helping new large/food animal veterinarians is accepting applications, Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has announced.

The Kentucky Large/Food Animal Veterinary Incentive Program may repay up to $6,000 a year of outstanding student loans of eligible veterinarians, veterinary technicians and veterinary technologists who practice mostly large/food animal medicine.

“This program is important to Kentucky’s animal agriculture industry and our food supply,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Veterinarians are leaving large animal practices faster than they can be replaced. Livestock account for about $3 billion a year in farm cash receipts, so it’s important to Kentucky’s economy that we have enough veterinarians to serve the large food animal industry.”

Veterinarians, veterinary technicians and technologists may apply within the first two years after they graduate. Preference will be given to Kentucky residents who are working in an area of defined need. A committee made up of representatives of livestock groups and other agricultural organizations involved in the initiative will select up to three recipients a year. Recipients may receive payments up to three years as long as they continue to practice mostly large/food animal medicine.

A completed application and supporting materials must be submitted to the Kentucky Farm Bureau State Office in Louisville for an applicant to be considered for the program. Applications must be postmarked no later than Dec. 1 or delivered to the KFB State Office by that date.

For more information, or to download an application, go to www.kyfb.com/federation.

The Kentucky Large/Food Animal Incentive Program is funded with a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund and made possible by the KADF, Kentucky Farm Bureau, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation, the Kentucky Dairy Development Council, the Kentucky Pork Producers Association, the Kentucky Poultry Federation, the Kentucky Sheep & Goat Development Office, and the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association.

Kentucky Ag Markets

2009-10-09T13:09:00.001-04:00

KENTUCKY LIVESTOCK AND GRAIN MARKET REPORT:

October 9, 2009 (pdf)

Commissioner Farmer Honors Schools for Winning HealthierUS Gold Awards.

2009-10-07T09:18:00.001-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137

MT. STERLING, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer helped present the USDA National HealthierUS Gold Award to three Montgomery County schools Tuesday in Mt. Sterling.

“I congratulate these schools on this outstanding achievement,” Commissioner Farmer said. “It’s more important than ever to teach our children the value of a healthy lifestyle. If you eat right, exercise and get plenty of rest, chances are you’ll feel better and live longer. An important part of a healthy lifestyle is eating fresh, nutritious Kentucky Proud foods.”

Commissioner Farmer and Dr. Janey Thornton, deputy under secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, presented Gold Awards to Camargo, Mapleton and Mt. Sterling elementary schools. (Dr. Thornton is a Kentucky native who served as school nutrition director for Hardin County Schools for 25 years.) The three Montgomery County schools were among 76 schools in Kentucky that have achieved Gold status.

The HealthierUS School Challenge was established to recognize schools that are creating healthier school environments through their promotion of good nutrition and physical activity. To find out more about the HealthierUS School Challenge, and to read a complete list of award-winning schools nationwide, go to http://www.teamnutrition.usda.gov/HealthierUS/index.html.

—30—

TOP: Students welcome Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer during a ceremony honoring three Montgomery County schools Tuesday in Mt. Sterling. (Kentucky Department of Agriculture photo)

Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer presents Dr. Janey Thornton, a Kentucky native and deputy under secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service, with an Honorary Commissioner of Agriculture certificate. (Kentucky Department of Agriculture photo)

Bourbon Barrel Foods is TV's latest 'Discovery'

2009-10-05T10:16:00.002-04:00

The Discovery Channel has scheduled a taping at the Kentucky Proud sauce maker's plant Oct. 29...more.

Kentucky Markets

2009-10-05T10:15:00.001-04:00

KENTUCKY LIVESTOCK AND GRAIN MARKET REPORT:

October 2, 2009 (pdf)

Local food and healthy lifestyles mean better lives for Kentucky's youth.

2009-10-02T11:57:00.002-04:00

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

Dozens of Kentucky Proud businesses will display their products at the Kentucky Proud Incredible Food Show on Saturday at The Lexington Center. Then next week I will join U.S. Department of Agriculture officials in honoring three Montgomery County schools for their Gold awards in the USDA National HealthierUS School Challenge.

These events emphasize two priorities of my administration: local food and healthy lifestyles. The two go hand-in-hand.

A healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of preventable diseases. If you eat right, exercise and get plenty of rest, chances are you’ll feel better and live longer. Local food is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Kentucky Proud farm-fresh fruits and vegetables are more nutritious than produce that’s been on a truck for days or even weeks before it reaches your community. Many Kentucky Proud producers make value-added food products that are good-tasting but also good for you.

When you buy local, you also promote a healthier local economy as a greater share of your food dollar goes to the farmer who raised the apples or the producer who made the cheese.

The three Montgomery County elementary schools that are being honored next week – Camargo, Mapleton and Mt. Sterling – are among 76 Kentucky schools that have achieved Gold status in the USDA National HealthierUS School Challenge. That brings up a third priority of my administration: Kentucky’s youth. The earlier we can teach them the value of a healthy lifestyle, the better chance they have of living long, healthy, happy lives. I congratulate all the Gold Award-winning schools in Kentucky, and I pledge that the Kentucky Department of Agriculture will continue to spread the word that Kentucky Proud foods are an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

Food, fun and Flay.

2009-10-01T10:43:00.002-04:00

The Kentucky Proud Incredible Food Show, featuring Food Network chef Bobby Flay, is Oct. 3-4 in Lexington. Click here for more information about the show and tickets.

Kentucky farmers again raise the bar - and the best is yet to come.

2009-09-18T11:37:00.002-04:00

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

I never miss an opportunity to brag on Kentucky farmers, and for good reason. Once again, our producers raised the bar for cash receipts in 2008. When you think about the overall economy, that speaks well of our farmers’ skill, work ethic and resilience.

Kentucky producers achieved a record $4.84 billion in farmgate cash receipts last year. It was the fourth time in the past five years that the total exceeded $4 billion. Cattle and calves were a big part of Kentucky’s success with cash receipts of $574.4 million, maintaining Kentucky’s position as the largest cow-calf state east of the Mississippi River.

The $4.84 billion surpassed the previous cash receipts record of $4.52 billion set in 2007.

Cash receipts from sales of horses and stud fees again led the way at $1.08 billion, down 4 percent from 2007. Poultry followed at $917.5 million, a 5 percent increase. Cash receipts from corn totaled $653 million, up 30 percent from the previous year. Winter wheat, peaches and barley rebounded sharply in 2008 from the freeze-damaged 2007 crop.

I’m confident that Kentucky’s farmers will have another banner year in 2009. I know they can persevere through anything, and I challenge them to put their shoulders to the wheel and make 2009 even better than 2008.

I also want to challenge all Kentuckians to support their state’s farmers by buying local Kentucky Proud foods and eating locally as often as possible.

When you buy local, you’re buying fresh, wholesome food for your family. You’re also helping Kentucky’s economy. If everybody in Kentucky planned just one meal a week featuring all Kentucky Proud products, we could add an enormous amount of money to our hard-working farm families’ bottom lines.

You can buy local fruits, vegetables and other Kentucky Proud products direct from producers at one of Kentucky’s 124 farmers’ markets near you. They give consumers the chance to buy a vast array of tomatoes, sweet corn, watermelon, apples, peaches and many other fruits and vegetables fresh out of the garden or orchard at the height of freshness and nutritional value. You also can shop for a variety of sauces, cheeses, meats, crafts, cut flowers and other products.

At a farmers’ market, you can meet and talk to the people who raised or made those Kentucky Proud products. Farmers’ markets are kind of like an old-time general store in that many folks enjoy the social aspect of meeting and visiting with their friends and neighbors there every week.

About 2,000 Kentucky farmers’ market vendors rang up an estimated $8 million in sales in 2007, up from $5.4 million in 2003.

Dozens of other retailers, restaurants, state parks and Kentucky Farm Bureau roadside markets throughout Kentucky also offer Kentucky Proud products. The Good Foods Market & Café in Lexington joined Kentucky Proud and more than 50 food cooperatives nationwide to challenge consumers to eat local last summer.

Kentucky Proud is the Commonwealth’s official farm marketing program. Kentucky Proud generated $250 million in retail sales of Kentucky farm products through member retailers in the past three years, including more than $100 million in 2008.

To learn more about Kentucky Proud, visit its Web site at www.kyproud.com. You can search for Kentucky Proud products or watch videos by gourmet chef and entertainer Tim Laird showing quick and easy ways to make amazing meals in your home with Kentucky Proud foods.

Horses from Hoosier Park Banned from Kentucky Tracks, Training Facilities.

2009-09-18T11:25:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, September 17, 2009

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Based on the recommendation of State Veterinarian Robert C. Stout, horses from Hoosier Park will not be permitted into the barn areas of any Kentucky race track or public training facility under the jurisdiction of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission due to an outbreak of strangles at the Anderson, Ind., track.

“Based on the information we have, we believe any horse that has been at Hoosier Park recently poses an increased risk of carrying and spreading the Streptococcus equi bacterium that causes strangles,” Dr. Stout said. Dr. Stout also recommended that any horse that has been at Hoosier Park recently should be isolated and closely monitored for at least 21 days.

Strangles has been confirmed in two horses at Hoosier Park. The other 57 horses that were housed with the two infected horses have been quarantined.

Strangles is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection. The bacterium that causes strangles is spread by direct horse-to-horse contact and also may be spread by flies, contaminated equipment, or by a person handling the horse who may be carrying the organism on clothing, boots or hands.

Initial symptoms include mild lethargy; fever; a slight cough; a clear, watery discharge that soon changes to thick and yellow, and swelling and abscess formation in the lymph nodes under the jaw. Strangles is seldom fatal but can render affected horses unable to perform for several weeks.

Kentucky’s equine industry accounts for 100,000 jobs and generates $4 billion in economic activity every year in the Commonwealth.

Rollover simulator 2.0

2009-09-17T11:49:00.002-04:00

Dale Dobson, right, administrator of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's farm and home safety program, shows a group of children from his home town of Hodgenville how a rollover protective structure (ROPS) can stop a tractor from overturning. The KDA's new rollover tractor simulator was unveiled at the Kentucky State Fair last month. It will be displayed at the third annual Kentucky Farm Women Field Day on Sept. 22 in Louisville. (Ted Sloan photo)

Study finds marketing opportunities with older consumers

2009-09-17T11:01:00.000-04:00

"New research sponsored by the Produce Marketing Association reveals marketing opportunities involving seniors and possible challenges for conventional produce marketers and retailers. The Hartman Group’s study, called “Healthy Eating Trends 2009,” produced results that are applicable to retail and foodservice consumers, Julia Stewart, public relations director of the Newark, Del.-based PMA, said in a news release about the 69-page study."
Read More: The Packer

Shredded lettuce blamed for salmonella in Western U.S.

2009-09-17T10:59:00.000-04:00

"Shredded lettuce is taking the blame for sickening 124 people across the U.S., primarily in western states, and 12 in Canada with salmonella this summer. Bill Keene, senior epidemiologist for The Oregon Public Health Division, said shredded lettuce, possibly from quick-service restaurant locations, is the likely cause of a Salmonella typhimurium outbreak that started mid-July, peaked in August, and tapered off later that month."
Read More: The Packer

Inventors Offer Ecofriendly Substitutes for Polystyrene

2009-09-17T10:57:00.001-04:00

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2009/090917.htm