Supporting Kentucky's young people.

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer doesn’t just say that he’s committed to the youth of Kentucky. He puts his money where his mouth is.

Commissioner Farmer reacts to being presented with a
basketball signed by the state’s FFA officers at the 78th
annual Kentucky FFA Convention in Louisville in 2007. 

(Chris Aldridge photo)

“My commitment to FFA and 4-H is now approaching about $300,000 since I’ve been commissioner,” Farmer said.  “That’s just how much I believe in the young people. They never cease to amaze me with what they’ve accomplished. I can tell you that agriculture is in good hands.”

Every year since he took office in 2004, Commissioner Farmer has presented $47,500 checks to both the Friends of Kentucky 4-H Inc. and the Kentucky FFA Foundation Inc.  “Helping our young people learn and grow into responsible, hardworking citizens is one of the most important things we can do,” he said.  “FFA and 4-H do an outstanding job of molding our young men and women into the leaders of tomorrow. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture shares this mission, and we feel it’s important to support these fine organizations as we strive for a bright and prosperous future for all Kentuckians.”

Kentucky 4-H/Youth Development Education creates opportunities and supportive environments for culturally diverse youth and adults to be capable, competent, and caring citizens. More than 245,000 youths ages 9-19 participate in Kentucky 4-H.  The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agriculture education. FFA is open to any student in grades 7-12 enrolled in an agriculture course in a public school. “Not too many years from now, these young people will be citizens and taxpayers, farmers, employees and entrepreneurs. The work of 4-H and FFA helps prepare them for these roles,” said Commissioner Farmer.

He said it’s important for the KDA to invest in Kentucky’s youth even though the Department has suffered significant budget cuts in recent years.  “Because I want our state to succeed – not just this year, but generations in the future – I’ve tried to do what I can to help the youth of the state,” he said.  “Like today’s farmers, the KDA has been asked to be more and more efficient and to do more with less.  But even so, I’ve maintained, and even expanded, our commitment to FFA and 4-H, because to win championships, or build a better Kentucky 25 or 30 years from now, you have to think long-term.”