Let's show our neighbors why we're Kentucky Proud

 

Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

 

Kentucky will host agriculture leaders from 15 southeastern states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands at the 2008 Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (SASDA) Conference June 9-13 in Lexington.

 

During the five-day gathering at Griffin Gate Marriott Resort, my staff at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and I are going to roll out the red carpet and show our neighbors in the other southeastern states why we are Kentucky Proud.

 

I am especially pleased to have the opportunity to present Kentucky’s signature horse industry. Our guests will tour a working thoroughbred farm, followed by an afternoon at the races at legendary Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby.

 

Over the past year, it has been an honor to serve as president of a regional organization that includes so many long-term state agriculture commissioners. I have used the position to look out for the best interests of farmers in Kentucky and throughout the Southeast, which accounts for a third of the nation’s farm cash receipts.

 

Before I pass the gavel to Commissioner Terry Peach of Oklahoma at the end of the conference, I look forward to spending my last days as president comparing notes with agriculture officials from other states. Like us here in Kentucky, they are dealing with difficult issues such as budget cuts, high prices for fuel and other producer inputs, and the effects of last year’s drought.

 

In the current economy, it is more important than ever that we work together to find solutions to our common problems.