Vol. 5 No. 11 • Aug. 16,
2012
Surrounded by members of the agriculture community at the Kentucky State Fair, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer slammed the bankruptcy process that has failed to provide justice to the farmers, markets, truckers, veterinarians and others whose cattle or services were stolen in the collapse of Eastern Livestock. (Photo by Chris Aldridge)
American farmers produce more food on fewer acres with fewer resources than at any time in history. That certainly is true of the nation’s beef cattle industry.
Visitors to the 108th Kentucky State Fair will notice a new appearance to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s exhibits in the Kentucky Exposition Center’s West Wing and an interactive computer display in the South Wing.
Agriculture Commissioner James Comer reminds Kentucky livestock producers that the Kentucky Department of Agriculture can help them find badly needed forages for their animals as many Kentucky pastures and hay fields have dried up in this year’s drought.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today designated 172 additional counties in 15 states as primary natural disaster areas due to drought and heat, making all qualified farm operators in the areas eligible for low-interest emergency loans. The list includes 68 additional counties in Kentucky.
For Hart County farmer Tim Isaacs, this was the year he was going to expand his registered Angus operation, with his son Matt returning to the farm. However, the drought stalled the expansion.
Up to 15 individuals will be selected for this intensive learning experience as a way to equip the next generation of agricultural leaders with the tools to manage tomorrow’s challenges.
The state’s produce industry continues to expand in terms of producers, volume, marketing outlets and sales, which are likely to exceed a record-breaking $33 million in 2012.
Corn production in Kentucky was forecast at 96.9 million bushels, down 46 percent from the previous crop.
Coming up
Kentucky State Fair
Eastern Kentucky Food System Collaborative Gathering
Kentucky Nursery & Landscape Association 13th Annual Summer Outing
Kentucky Grazing School
Connecting Farm$ to Local Market$
Beef Bash 2012
Kentucky Farm
Fact
Nearly 600,000 people will visit the 108th Kentucky State Fair. Go to www.kystatefair.org for information on livestock shows, entertainment, and more.
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