Kentucky Ag News
Vol. 10 No. 19 • October 2, 2017
Quarles talks agritourism, safety, trade
On the September episode of Commissioner’s Comments, Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles encourages Kentuckians to visit one of the Commonwealth’s more than 500 agritourism destinations.
KDA to students: Take charge of your safety
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture's Farm & Home Safety Program joined Russell County FFA to lead a Pep Rally for Life on Sept. 21 at Russell County High School.
Watch Silo: Edge of the Real World
Pollen analysis is marketing tool
State apiarist Tammy Horn Potter suggests that beekeepers make a small investment in getting their honey ‘pollen analyzed.” (audio)
Markets offer economic, social opportunities
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture's Sharon Spencer says farmers' markets keep growing, providing economic opportunities for Kentucky farmers. (audio)

UK names two department chairs
Rebecca McCulley and Barry Barnett will assume their new positions Jan. 1.
Riddle named 2017 UK Friend of Ag Equine
Tom Riddle, who co-founded Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in 1986 and specializes in reproductive veterinary medicine, has actively served for decades in many advisory capacities for equine research and education at UK.
Winter wheat production lowest since 2010
Kentucky farmers harvested 23.9 million bushels of winter wheat during the summer of 2017, down 25 percent from the previous year.
UK Water Week overflows with events
The University of Kentucky’s Water Week 2017, a week of films, panel discussions, invited speakers and service activities, will examine climate change impacts on water quality.
Ky. organic sales tripled, farms doubled
Kentucky’s USDA-certified organic farms sold a total of $12.2 million in organically produced commodities in 2016 compared with $9.4 million in 2015.

Coming up
- Kentucky Dairy Development Council Young Dairy Producer Bus Tour
- Kentucky Queen Bee Breeders' Association workshops
- Project WET certification workshop
- Kentucky Sheep and Goat Replacement Sale
- UK Gluck Equine Research Center 30th anniversary celebration
- Kentucky Equine Education Project Equine Industry Conference
- Kentucky Grazing Conference
- Going Organic Webinar
- Warren County Value-Added Producer Grant workshop
- Clay County Value-Added Producer Grant Workshop
- North American International Livestock Exposition
- Kentucky Women in Agriculture annual conference
- MarketReady Producer Training
Kentucky Farm Fact
- Kentucky has more than 500 agritourism destinations, and fall is their peak season for pumpkin patches, corn mazes, trail rides, and much more. Go to kentuckyfarmsarefun.com and find a family-friendly farm activity near you! #KyAg365