COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE JONATHAN SHELL OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY

Jonathan Shell was elected Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner on Nov. 7, 2023. A fifth-generation farmer, he owns and operates Shell Farms and Greenhouses in Garrard County. There, he raises cattle and grows flowers, corn, and pumpkins. As a lifelong farmer, Shell understands the deep-rooted significance of agriculture in Kentucky and its critical role in the daily lives of Kentuckians.

As Agriculture Commissioner, Shell is focused on securing a prosperous future for Kentucky agriculture. He is dedicated to promoting and protecting the state's farming communities, ensuring they remain the backbone of Kentucky’s economy. Shell's leadership is centered around the principles of food, faith, and family. He is committed to advocating for policies that empower Kentucky’s farmers and strengthen rural economies, all while staying true to Kentucky values.

One of Shell's key goals is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, ensuring that it continues to serve as a vital resource for farmers. He is focused on fostering innovation in agriculture, supporting the next generation of farmers, and helping Kentucky’s agriculture sector grow to meet the needs of both local and global markets.

Before becoming Agriculture Commissioner, Shell served in the Kentucky House of Representatives, where he was elected in 2012 as the youngest member of the General Assembly. He rose to become Kentucky's first Republican House Majority Floor Leader, playing a pivotal role in passing legislation focused on job creation, support for farmers, and combatting opioid trafficking. His experience in state government, coupled with his farming background, gives him a unique perspective in his role as Commissioner.

Shell holds a bachelor's degree in agriculture business from Eastern Kentucky University and is a proud graduate of Garrard County High School. He and his wife, Brooke, live in Lancaster with their four children and are active members of Pilot Knob Missionary Baptist Church, where he serves as Sunday School Director.