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Windows provide sunlight, a nice breeze, and an opportunity to escape a home in the event of an emergency. However, without proper care and education, they can also be a huge risk to the safety of your children.

According to the National Safety Council, about eight children under the age of five die each year from falling out of a window, and more than 3,300 are injured seriously enough to go to the hospital.

As warmer weather arrives and some may wish to open windows and let the warm spring air in, it’s important to remember the dangers tied to this common home feature. This is why the National Safety Council encourages everyone to observe the first full week of April as National Window Safety Week.

Here are some basic tips to keep your wee ones safe from the dangers associated with windows:

1. If a window is open for ventilation, be sure that it is not within a child’s reach. If a home features double-hung windows, open the top and keep the bottom closed, especially on upper floors.
2. If a window is closed, check to make sure it is also locked.
3. Keep furniture away from windows to prevent children from climbing on the furniture and potentially falling into or through the window.
4. Keep in mind that screens are meant to keep insects out of homes. They are not designed to keep children from falling out of windows, and they will not hold a child’s weight in the case of a fall.
5. Install limited-opening hardware, which only allows windows to open a few inches. Be aware that the window guard must have a release mechanism so that it can be opened for escape in a fire emergency.
6. Always check that cords are out of reach of young children, and use cordless window coverings when possible (child-safe window blinds and shades are available at many home improvement stores). Nearly one child a month dies after becoming entangled in a window-covering cord, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
7. Most importantly, educate your child on the dangers of windows. For a printable children’s activity book provided by the National Safety Council, click here.
    

>> At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your home as you are. We help protect what’s important to you–from farms and fishing boats to minivans and mobile homes. To see a full list of products we insure, click here.

Thunderstorms, ice storms, floods, droughts, tornadoes–severe weather can pop up in the blink of an eye. In fact, global insured losses due to natural catastrophes rose to $280 billion in 2023, according to Swiss Re Institute.

You never know when a storm may hit, but you can prepare ahead of time by learning how to minimize the damage and properly report a loss to your Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance agent.    

Keep in mind the following tips to help you weather the storm:     

• First and foremost, make sure everyone in your family is safe, and get medical care if anyone has been injured.
• Contact the local authorities in the event of a theft loss or burglary claim. Obtain an incident report if possible, even if the damage is minor.
• If your home is damaged, take steps to secure it and protect it from further loss or damage. Protect your property by sealing broken windows, putting tarps over cracks or openings in exterior walls or the roof, and doing whatever else you can to prevent additional damage. Keep receipts for any materials you buy; those costs may be reimbursable if you have a covered loss.
• Report the claim by calling your local Kentucky Farm Bureau agent’s office or by calling the after-hours claims reporting hotline. You can also report a claim online by visiting the KFB member portal my.kyfb.com.    
• If your loss is severe or has affected many rooms, start preparing a room-by-room inventory of damages and lost property. If you have the information, or remember it, include manufacturer names, model numbers, and purchase dates.
• If possible, do not dispose of any damaged items — especially if an item may be responsible for the loss (examples of this could be a water heater or a stove). If a damaged item has to be disposed of because of personal safety or by order of the authorities, try to document it with photographs first.   
• In the event of a widespread catastrophe, begin the process of selecting your contractor. We suggest that you seek out contractors who have a proven track record in your area.  There are several things you can do to help ensure that you choose a reliable contractor:    
  - Get references from any contractor you interview, and check those references thoroughly.
  - Contact your local Better Business Bureau for information about the contractors you’re considering.
  -  Don’t sign a contract until you’ve reviewed it carefully and have agreed to payment terms. Deliver a copy of your contractor’s estimate to your KFB claims representative, who will review it, connect with your contractor to discuss differences, and make any appropriate adjustments. Our estimate will be based on typical labor and materials rates in your community.

For additional information about what will take place after you file a claim with Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance, visit our claim FAQ page here.

You snap a picture of a cherry-red barn just off the side of the road, perfectly illuminated by a brilliant sunset. You plug the address of your next destination into the GPS as you leave your parking spot. You quickly reply to a friend’s text with a smiley face while coasting to a stop sign. Although common activities, these are all forms of distracted driving. 

The notion of distracted driving is age old—it goes as far back as the invention of the automobile itself. Since driving down the street became a "thing," there have been external distractions — like billboards or people on the side of the road. Internal distractions are nothing new, either—tuning a radio, fiddling with the air conditioner or parenting from the front seat.   

In 1983, distracted driving took on a new meaning. That year, cell phones were introduced to the American marketplace.      

Prevalence
Today, the number of cell phones in the U.S. surpasses the country’s population. And according to a study by AT&T, 80 percent of people admit to using those cell phones while driving.

The telecommunications company’s research also shows that 68 percent of smart phone users admit to reading texts, emails, or checking social media while driving, 54 percent surf the web, and 40 percent use video chat apps. This means that every person you pass on the roadway could be engaged in an entirely different world: watching a movie trailer, sending an e-mail, or video chatting with out-of-state relatives.   

Effects
Studies conducted internationally have all come to the same conclusion: Driving while using a smartphone increases the risk of injury or property damage fourfold.

Driver distractions now join alcohol and speeding as leading factors in fatal and serious injury crashes. According to the American Psychological Association, the skills of a driver using a cell phone are actually more impaired than someone who has had too much to drink.   

Legislation
States across the nation have enacted laws in an effort to keep their roads distraction-free. Text messaging while driving is banned in 49 states and D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. Currently, talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving is banned in 27 states and D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Marina Islands, and the Virgin Islands.

In Kentucky, there is a texting ban, but drivers are still allowed to talk on a hand-held device behind the wheel. School bus drivers and drivers younger than 18 are restricted from using a cell phone in any capacity while driving. The enforcement of these laws is “primary,” meaning a police officer may pull over and ticket a driver if he or she simply observes a violation in action.

What can you do?
In a survey by the National Safety Council, 67% of respondents said they felt they were at risk because another driver was distracted by technology. Yet, only 25% said their own distraction from technology was putting others at risk. This “not me” attitude perpetuates this already prevalent problem.

Help us create a change in attitude surrounding this on-the-rise social ill. Behind the wheel, take a break from technology. Make Kentucky’s roads a safe place to be, and join Kentucky Farm Bureau in driving distraction-free.

Today, 98 percent of Americans you pass on the road own a cellphone. And despite knowing the risk, a study done by AT&T shows that about 80 percent of those cellphone owners report using them while driving. Technology usage behind the wheel is undeniably a prevalent issue in our society. 

The auto industry has taken notice. Some tools have already been implemented to curb the effects of this rampant roadway issue, while other technologies are quickly developing from budding ideas to larger-than-life innovations.     

Here’s a look at some of the technologies developed to curtail the epidemic of deadly distracted driving:

• Automatic emergency braking (AEB)
  According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), many drivers involved in rear-end crashes either do not apply their brakes at all or don’t apply them enough.
  
  A study by IIHS reported that AEB technology reduced police-reported rear-end crashes by 50 percent. It’s essentially like having another set of eyes on the roadway. Sensors on your car (cameras, radars, and lasers) scan the road ahead for obstacles. If an imminent crash is detected, the system alerts the driver and begins automatically braking to reduce the severity of or prevent the collision.     
  
  Just a decade ago, AEB was a rare, futuristic feature only found in high-end vehicles. With distracted driving on the rise, this device is well on its way to becoming standard. Many popular automakers have already made AEB a standard feature in a majority of light-duty cars and trucks. In 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finalized a new law that will make AEB standard on all passenger cars and light trucks. This will be effective by September 2029.

• Lane departure warning (LDW) and lane keep support (LKS)
  Like AEB, LDW can pick up the slack for a distracted driver. Say you’re reaching into the passenger seat for a bite of that burrito you just picked up and temporarily take your eyes off the road... LDW alerts drivers with an audio or visual alert when they unintentionally drift out of a lane without a turn signal on. 
  
  While LDW leaves the correction up to the driver, LKS goes a step further by taking action. If sensors detect that a car is about to unintentionally move out of its lane, LKS will correct the steering and return the vehicle to its intended path.
   
• Eye-tracking technology
  If you thought automatically-braking cars were space-age, imagine a world where cars were able to monitor your eyes and tell if you weren’t paying enough attention to the road. In the last decade, driver monitoring systems (DMS) have gone from an exclusive technology only found in premium cars to an essential safety feature for detecting a driver's focus, alertness, and engagement. Subaru DriverFocus, Volvo Pilot Assist, and Honda Sensing are all examples of this type of technology in cars that are on the road today. The eye-tracking market size is expected to see exponential growth in the coming years as more automakers look to incorporate this technology into their new models.

While self-driving cars and innovative gadgets are sure to help our growing compulsion with smartphones, they alone can’t eradicate the problem. Make Kentucky’s roads a safe place to be, and join Kentucky Farm Bureau in driving distraction-free.

Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative (KFTI): “We have great support from our lawmakers at both the state and national levels.”

It has been a year since Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) announced the creation of the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative (KFTI) to help get us on a sustainable path to ensure our farmland remains in agricultural production.

In the last 20 years, Kentucky has lost 1.4 million acres of farmland and 17,000 farms. I have used those figures before, but I can never emphasize enough how badly we need to address this decline in farmed acres and the number of farms we have.

This is not just a Kentucky issue but one for our agriculture industry throughout the country. According to USDA Ag Census data, the number of farm acres has been steadily declining since 1997.

KFTI has gained such momentum as we work to provide resources to farmers and landowners seeking to keep more Kentucky farmland in the hands of active farmers.

Throughout the year we have reached countless numbers of individuals through the KFTI website, by way of numerous events, extension workshops, and various meetings.

We’ve built a network of 27 organizations united in promoting farmland retention and helped develop legislation based on the work of KFTI.

As we begin the 2025 planting season, farm families will begin focusing on getting their crops out as we do each year. For many of us, perhaps most of us, this has been our life’s work. It’s in our blood. However, as the average age of our farmers continues to rise, being able to transition family farms to a new generation becomes more and more critical.

It’s not always as easy as handing over the keys to the tractor and the deed to the land. There are processes and steps that have to be made in order make the transfer of properties happen.

If we are to be in a position to make farmland transition more easily accomplished, we must make all the efforts we can now to ensure this happens and this initiative is a success. Fortunately, we have great support from our lawmakers at both the state and national levels.

Kentucky U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell recently announced the Protecting American Farmlands Act (PAFA), which would allow landowners who sell to active farmers to defer taxes on the proceeds of the sale if they sell their land to those who will keep it in agricultural production for a minimum of ten years.  

In the Kentucky General Assembly, HB 703 was introduced by Representative Myron Dossett to make changes to the Kentucky Selling Farmer Tax Credit making the credit work for more farmers and provide greater certainty for sellers. Provisions of this bill were included in HB 775, which received final passage and became law.

We are so thankful for the work of our state and federal lawmakers who recognize the need to make KFTI a success for our ag industry, our farm families, and the consumers who depend on the American farmer every day.

Eddie Melton, President
Kentucky Farm Bureau  

There is likely no more exciting time for sports enthusiasts than basketball season in March. Having just experienced one of the most thrilling tournament-seasons I can remember, I recalled a special moment in time that centered around my hometown’s team more than 50 years ago.

Our local high school had one of its best basketball teams ever that year which included the 1971 Mr. Kentucky Basketball, Jimmy Dan Conner.

Every 11-year-old boy in Anderson County wanted to be like Jimmy Dan. And we wanted to play on a team like our beloved Bearcats. The team made it to the state tournament that year, and while we fell short in the championship game, it is a team that has never been forgotten and will always be remembered as winners.

I remember well the welcome home ceremony held for the team in the parking lot of the high school. In a town of probably 2,500 at the time, I believe every one of them attended the rally that day.

The team members and coaches filed up on flatbed wagons to greet the hometown crowd who was cheering them on. Parts of that day are as clear to me now as if it happened yesterday.

I can’t imagine how these young men felt standing in front of all those people, all of them heroes to the town. It certainly was an overwhelming feeling to my 11-year-old self to be in their presence.

For many years, the school has displayed a group picture of that special team along with portraits of Jimmy Dan and another hometown sports hero Bob Ware who is still considered the best football player to ever wear the school colors. Bob was named to the all-state team his senior year as well as an honorable mention All-American. The school’s football field has been named in his honor.

I would say there are countless rural communities around this state with similar stories. And you don’t have to play a sport to be a hometown hero. I have been through several small towns that have displayed banners honoring their local veterans or historic figures from those particular places.

I’m not knocking our larger metropolitan areas by any means, but there is a special kind of love our rural communities have for those who have done great things or made great sacrifices on and off the playing field or the basketball court.

As I watched the dozens of games being played this past March at both the high school and college levels, I wondered where these young people came from knowing some of them will become hometown heroes in their own right, at some point, if not already.

It was nice to revisit the memory of that day in the parking lot of my high school as a community came together to show their love and respect for a team that will never be forgotten, as I travel down the backroads. 

Kori Thomas has taken a lifelong love for the farm and turned it into a dream come true.

As the planting season begins in earnest, farm families across the state are hard at work preparing for what they hope is a productive season including Kentucky Farm Bureau’s (KFB) Farm Woman of the Year (FWOY) Kori Thomas and her husband, Micah.

The couple owns and operates Peach Tree Farm and Greenhouse in Allen County. The third-generation farm consists of commercial beef cattle, an orchard of peach, apple, and pear trees, 29 varieties of pumpkins, row crops, and hay production.

In the past two years, Thomas has opened both an agritourism venue and retail garden center on the property, where she sells annual bedding plants and hanging baskets as well as perennial flowers, trees and shrubs.

“We're on the farm where I grew up and we like to say we're very diversified," she said. "We started with cattle which was kind of all we knew at the beginning, but then we thought we'd need to do something else. So, we planted peach trees. We started with 120 and we just planted probably 40 to 50 more."

From there, the farming operation has continued to grow. Thomas said mums came next along with three greenhouses in a span of three years. They now have five greenhouses, and their farm continues to grow. 

“We just keep adding more to do, and we still have more ideas,” she said. “We're even looking at maybe putting up a sheep barn. I really enjoy the animals.”

Having worked off the farm, Thomas said she couldn’t imagine retiring just sitting at a desk and she knew it would take more work to keep the farm growing.

“I just think it's a good way of life, and I hope that it's teaching our kids a good work ethic and teaching them that you have to work to get anywhere and do what you love to do,” she said. “Hopefully they see that I enjoy it and know that's what you want to be happy with your life.”

Part of what is fueling the growth of the Peach Tree Farm and Greenhouse is a presence on social media something Thomas said has proven to be very beneficial to them.

“You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and we are on YouTube,” she said. “We post videos so that people can see what it takes to produce the things that we do and that it is a lot of hard work. I think if it was me on the outside looking in, it would be neat to see what it takes to get all this done. So, we just try to expose people to the agricultural world and show them what hard work does.”

More and more Thomas is hearing from customers who are seeing and commenting on her social media posts.

“It's always good when people come out to the farm and they say, ‘I love watching your videos,’ and we have a lot of people who like and enjoy them,” she said. “Social media gets your name out there and it's the least expensive way to do it. I think it's helped us a lot and our page is growing tremendously.”

In being name FWOY, Thomas said to be complimented and awarded for something that she loves is an honor.

“I was very excited about it and to know had there were a lot of incredible candidates and that I won out of all these amazing women, it has been an honor,” she said. “I love what I do, and I enjoy every minute of being out on the farm and it was just amazing to get that phone call and quite the compliment to be awarded for something that I love so much.” 

While Thomas stays quite busy on the farm, she takes on many other activities including volunteer efforts as the USDA representative for the local allocation of Ag Development funds, host of the 2024 Allen County Farm to Fork Dinner, member of the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association and Allen County Cattlemen's Association, Allen County Extension Board and Council Member, Allen County 4-H volunteer, a children’s ministry volunteer at her church, as well as a home school teacher for her children.

She is also a lifetime KFB member and Thomas, and her husband were named the 2020 Allen County Young Farm Family of the Year. She is involved in the KFB Generation Bridge program and participates in the KFB Certified Farm Market program.

Farming has always been a part of her life and now she is serving as a role model for others to follow their dreams.

“As a kid I wanted to be on the farm and helping more and more but that was not something women did in past generations,” she said.  “Now, if women feel the need to be the farmer, then that's fine. I think it's just the key to happiness and finding what you love and finding your passion.”

The Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative gets major boost with passage of state legislation and the introduction of a federal act.

One year ago, the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative (KFTI) was launched by the Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) to address the loss of the state’s farmland.

Specifically, KFTI is helping farm families access resources related to farmland transition and learn their options; connecting providers of services to transitioning farmers to one another and to people who need their services; determining how existing state and federal policy is working; and figuring out what policy changes may be necessary to increase the amount of farmland going to active farmers.

Throughout the last year, the initiative has gained momentum and support throughout the state from other ag organizations, commodity groups, and lawmakers.

“In the Kentucky General Assembly, HB 703 was introduced by Representative Myron Dossett to make changes to the Kentucky Selling Farmer Tax Credit making the credit work for more farmers and provide greater certainty for sellers. Provisions of this bill were included in HB 775, which received final passage and became law.

 Nationally the recent introduction of legislation by Kentucky U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, the Protecting American Farmlands Act (PAFA), will take farmland transition to a new level.

 “American farmers, especially those in Kentucky, are grappling with a steady decline in available farmland,” McConnell said. “Now more than ever, we must preserve our agricultural land and keep it in production for the next generation of producers. The Protecting American Farmland Act reduces the tax burden on selling farmland, making it easier for retiring farmers to keep their land in the hands of those who will continue to cultivate it. This legislation, which I was proud to partner with the Kentucky Farm Bureau on, is a big win for farmers across the country, and one that will help plant the seeds of farming generations to come.”

KFB President Eddie Melton said the organization is proud to stand alongside Senator McConnell once again in championing legislation that strengthens the future of American agriculture.

“The Protecting American Farmlands Act is the outgrowth of important work started last year by the Kentucky Farm Bureau Farmland Transition Initiative,” he said. “This legislation not only helps ensure that our nation’s farmland remains in the hands of active farmers, but it also provides retiring farmers with a viable pathway to transition their operations to the next generation. We deeply appreciate Senator McConnell’s leadership in addressing this issue, and we look forward to the lasting impact this legislation will have on farming communities here in Kentucky and across the country.”

The Protecting American Farmlands Act would allow landowners who sell to active farmers to defer taxes on the proceeds of the sale if they sell their land to those who will keep it in agricultural production for a minimum of ten years. The profit from the sale is invested in a retirement savings account. As a result, landholders can sell to other farmers, while also investing in their future with more liquid assets in retirement.

This measure gives retiring farmers more control over their financial future while helping keep farmland in production. By reducing financial barriers for farm transitions, this bill gives retiring farmers an option to sell their land without losing significant portions of their proceeds to taxes. It also provides a more flexible retirement strategy, addressing the common challenge of farmers being "asset-rich and cash-poor" in their later years.

Agricultural Leaders Across Kentucky Endorse the Protecting American Farmlands Act, Urge Congressional Support

KFTI has gained support from several other state organizations from the very beginning of the initiative and the same is true for the PAFA.  The coalition of these agricultural organizations and institutions that have committed to preserving farmland for active farmers, has officially endorsed this national legislation. As Kentucky continues to lose farmland at an alarming rate, over 20 organizations in the network are calling on Congress to pass this critical legislation to ensure farm families have the tools they need to transition their land to the next generation of farmers.

“The farms we know and love as Kentuckians are at risk,” Melton said. “At the current rate of farmland loss, the number of Kentucky farmers will be cut in half over the next 60 years. We can’t solve this problem alone, and fortunately, we don’t have to. With the support of Senator McConnell and so many influential leaders in agriculture, we have an opportunity to make real progress in preserving our farmland. The passage of the Protecting American Farmlands Act is an essential step in this effort.”

Senator McConnell has been a member of the Agriculture Committee since his first day in the Senate and currently is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics and Research.

During a recent press conference held at the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment (UKMGCAFE), McConnell along with Assistant Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Warren Beeler, UKMGCAFE Dean Laura Stephenson, Melton and Hardin County Farmer Matt Adams met with members of the press to discuss the new legislation. 

Melton told the gathering the one thing in agriculture that means more to farmers, than anything, aside from their families, is their land.

“Whether you're a row crop farmer, or you raise livestock, you have to have that land to be able to do what we do,” he said. “What we're working on is to try to help those beginning and young farmers, and active farmers be able to retain that land, so they can grow their operations. If you own that land, you're more profitable than if you rent or lease that land and I think we need to focus on trying to find a way that we can make farming more profitable.”

Adams, along with his wife Molly were named the 2023 KFB Young Farm Family of the Year. He shared their unique story of how they came to own their farm and why farmland transition is so important.

“We had a unique opportunity to partner with an older farmer that I worked with and slowly start to buy him out,” he said. “We didn't have anything formally set up like we've talked about with the farmland transition initiative, but upon his passing, his family knew his wishes (to keep the farm intact) and his heirs honored those wishes, working with us and selling that home farm to us (in a way) where we could afford it as young farmers. That's not the case with every operation out there, and that's what we're looking at addressing with this initiative.”

Adams added that while they feel they now have established themselves and their farming operation, initiatives like KFTI and PAFA are important for future generations.

“This is important to us just because as in any business, including agriculture, if you're not growing, you're falling behind,” he said. “We have two young daughters, three and six that are coming up and just live, eat, sleep, and breathe farming just like we do. And if there's going to be a place for them in the future, then we have to be looking at that now. All we were asking in the beginning was an opportunity and I think these initiatives will provide opportunities.”

KFTI summary for the year

Since its inception, Aleta Botts has served as the project coordinator for the farmland transition program. She said the Initiative puts Kentucky farmers at the center of the discussion for how best to keep our farmland in the hands of active producers.

“The best outcomes of the past year have been hearing from farm families who have ideas for keeping land in production and who have also been prompted by the Initiative to reach out to determine the best path forward to keep their land going as a farm long into the future,” Botts said.

She also recognized the support KFTI has received through a vast network of state agriculture organizations.

“This work would not be possible without the support of the members of the KFTI Network who hosted educational sessions, shared information with their members, and offered their suggestions for ways we can do more on the issue,” Botts said.

While the program is marking its year anniversary, she noted that there is still work to do.

“This year in addition to building support for the federal legislation we will be developing more resources in response to the needs we have heard about and continuing to spread the word to ensure that farm families know what tools they have available to them to make the transition of their own farmland successful.”

KFTI milestones

•       Reached over 4,422 individuals through the website (kyfarmlandtransition.com), for over 9,800 page views.

•       Presented to over 3,000 people through extension workshops, Kentucky Farm Bureau events, and other meetings.

•       Built a network of 27 organizations united in promoting farmland retention.

Developed legislation based on the work of KFTI.

For more information on the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative Network, visit kyfarmlandtransition.com/about.

For sidebar:

KFTI Network Members supporting the efforts of farmland transition include:

Agribusiness Association of Kentucky

Ag Credit

Community Farm Alliance

Farm Credit Mid-America

Kentucky Agricultural Council

Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom, Inc.

Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts

Kentucky Association of Meat Processors

Kentucky Burley and Dark Tobacco Producers Association

Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association

Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development

Kentucky Corn Growers Association

Kentucky Dairy Development Council

Kentucky Department of Agriculture

Kentucky Horse Council

Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council

Kentucky Horticulture Council

Kentucky Pork Producers Association

Kentucky Poultry Federation

Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office

Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association

Kentucky Soybean Association

Kentucky State University

Kentucky Thoroughbred Association

Kentucky Woodland Owners Association

The Dairy Alliance

University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture food and Environment

WAVE Ag Initiative

As a new season approaches, many things can be associated with spring, one of which is the annual Kentucky Farm Bureau State Women's Leadership Conference. For decades, members from county Farm Bureau women's committees across the state have gathered for this yearly learning event.

This year, 231 volunteers came from 83 counties to hear from KFB state leadership and numerous guest speakers discuss topics ranging from educational opportunities to policy updates.  

KFB welcomed Kentucky’s Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman to the event, marking the first time a sitting Lt. Governor has attended the conference.

She discussed the excitement that centered around last month’s Agriculture Education Week and an initiative she is involved with along with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Department of Education that is bringing ag ed to the elementary school level.

“In working together, we have been able to move a lot of groups and get a lot of folks involved, and there's never been, I think, a more important time to show the ways that we can come together and get things done,” she said. “The time is now to focus on issues like agriculture and education because they're both so critically important, not just to Kentucky, but the entire country and the world.”

Coleman met with the KFB Women’s State Advisory Committee last October to discuss the new educational endeavor and invite them to be a part of the initiative knowing how involved KFB women’s committees are with bringing ag education to students across the state.

“I think success for this initiative looks like kids getting their hands dirty, getting out onto farms, experiencing things they've never seen or done before,” she said. “This is a departure from the sit-and-get type of learning at a desk. This is an experiential learning process, and we're really excited about that.”

Jennifer Newby, first vice chair for the Women's State Advisory Committee said it is an exciting time to be working with the Lt. Governor on such an important issue.

“We're super excited about Lt. Governor Coleman partnering with us, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Education,” she said. “It's just an exciting time for us to be working together to bring a subject that's very important to our women's committee to light for everyone. I know of school districts who are taking this initiative and running with it.”

In discussing the conference, as a whole, Newby said it's important to bring women together who have common interests.

“Each of us comes to the conference taking away something completely different from the speakers that they hear, and the activities they do,” she said. “It not only strengthens us as a group by as individuals, as well. Not only do we meet new people and friends who have common interests, but we’re seeing old friends and family that you may not have been able to see for some time. It's just a great time of fellowship and fun and just being with each other.”

KFB President Eddie Melton, who addressed the conference, said the value of networking at such an event cannot be understated.

“One of the most important things we can do, as we gather together for events such as this, is to learn from each other,” he said. “Every person in every county has a story to tell and information to share and our women’s committees throughout the state network as well as anyone and bring such value to our organization.”

Newby said that as she leaves a conference like this, she thinks about all that she has learned and what she can bring back to her county farm Bureau and community to make it better. 

“When I leave a conference, I try to think, ‘What was my main takeaway?’ and ‘What is going to inspire me for my next move whether it's on the farm, or in my personal life?’”, she said. “Every person who comes to this conference is different. And that's what's so great about offering so many different workshops, tours, and speakers, it's because everybody gleans something a little bit different that applies to their life.”

Another big event that takes place during the conference is delivery of the annual American Farm Bureau Foundation’s Ag Book of the Year.  Each year, the Foundation identifies a children’s book that accurately covers agricultural topics. In keeping with their commitment to engage in agriculture literacy activities in their county, women’s committees take orders for the book. This year’s selection is “The Soil in Jackie’s Garden” by Peggy Thomas.

These books also have an educator’s guide to help facilitate teaching the topic and an Ag Magazine on the topic as well.

LaRue County Farm Bureau President Jeremy Hinton testifies in front of U.S. Senate Ag Committee.

While Kentucky Farm Bureau brings large numbers of members to the nation’s capital every year to hear from and speak with the state’s congressional delegation, having the honor of testifying before a committee of the U.S. Congress brings an unprecedented opportunity to advocate on behalf of local farm families.

LaRue County President Jeremy Hinton did just that recently as he appeared before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Hinton. He appeared with other state and national agricultural leaders to discuss issues related to specialty crop growers.

Hinton, who also serves as Chair of the Kentucky Horticulture Council, owns two farm markets as part of his overall farming operation, which includes traditional crops such as soybeans and tobacco.

He was one of five agriculture leaders from various states who provided the committee with an array of specialty crop information and concerns during a February 26 hearing.

“As part of the eighth generation of my family to farm in LaRue County, my connection to agriculture began at the time that (Abraham) Lincoln wandered the fields around Sinking Springs and Knob Creek and continues today,” he said. “While my farm may look different from my grandfather’s registered Hereford cattle farm, it also looks different than hundreds of others across the country that would be classified as ‘specialty crop’ growers.”

Hinton explained that specialty crops come in many shapes and sizes, and while individually smaller in acreage when compared to other commodities like corn or cotton, the collective impact of these high value crops cannot be overlooked as part of the greater agriculture industry.

“Farmers of all kinds share many of the same challenges and concerns, but others are unique to operations like mine,” he told legislative members. “In addition to our farming operations, I am also a crop insurance agent, and while most traditional row crop acres are covered under federal crop insurance programs, participation for specialty crop growers continues to be much lower.”

Hinton explained that multiple factors contribute to this such as, in many areas, a lack of available coverage.

“While availability of policies for specialty crops is increasing, the geographic disbursement of specialty crop acres often makes it difficult for actuaries to rate products for limited acres, meaning agents and growers must meet additional requirements to ensure crops under written agreements approved by RMA [Risk Management Agency],” he said. 

Another reason, cited by Hinton, is a lack of education. While efforts are being made by organizations like the Kentucky Horticulture Council to increase awareness and understanding of the options available for specialty crops, growers in large part still do not understand how they can work for their operation.

“It is my hope that in a new Farm Bill and as negotiations open for changes in the crop insurance program, we can address issues that will strengthen insurance options for specialty crop growers,” he said.

In addition to crop insurance concerns and a need for more education, Hinton also noted the “blessing” for continued use of consistent H-2A workers.

“For many specialty crop growers, availability and cost of labor continues to be among our greatest challenges,” he said. “Lack of available local labor led us to the H-2A program nearly 10 years ago. We are blessed with returning workers who are critical to the survival of our business, but as the cost of that labor continues to increase, we must either find additional efficiencies to reduce costs, respond with increases in our prices to our customers, or reduce already slim profit margins.

Hinton encouraged members of the committee to continue dialogue with those on the farm for meaningful reform to the H-2A and other temporary worker visa programs to support all segments of agriculture.

“It is critical to the stability of our food supply,” he said.

Hinton also discussed the issue of farmland transition and the decline in farmed acreage in Kentucky.

“Loss of farmland to development is a key issue in the state of Kentucky, as well as across the nation,” he said. “According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, Kentucky lost more than 546,000 acres of farmland from 2017 to 2022, meaning we are losing more than 290 acres per day in the commonwealth. For context, the average farm size in Kentucky is 179 acres. As we in agriculture look to the future and a growing population, this issue is one that must be addressed.”

Hinton told committee members of the KFB Farmland Transition Initiative and the efforts being made in this state to combat those farmland losses.

“Kentucky Farm Bureau is working with stakeholders at both the state and federal levels to address this key issue through education, providing resources and networking, and through policy recommendations,” he said. “I look forward to your involvement in helping with solutions to this important issue. While on one hand, new neighbors mean new customers for our retail markets, we must find a balance between well planned development and farmland preservation to ensure the future of our farms and rural communities.”

KFB President Eddie Melton said having local Farm Bureau members who are willing to advocate for the agriculture industry at all levels is critical to the success of the organization.

“For more than a century, Farm Bureau has relied on its local leaders to stand up and speak out on issues affecting their family farms and the communities in which they live, from the steps of their courthouses to the halls of Congress,” he said. “Jeremy is a great example of how effective we can be as an organization when our county members are willing to testify in front of congressional leaders from across the country to tell their stories, discuss their challenges, and offer their input on solutions that will ultimately benefit us all.”

“You want to rely on the Lord and hope for the best.”

American Humorist, the late Will Rogers once said, “The farmer has to be an optimist, or he wouldn’t still be a farmer.” Fortunately for all of us, farm families everywhere begin each planting season with optimism and renewed hope for good crops, adequate weather conditions, and a market environment that will bring profitability once the harvest is complete.

Many factors go into a good crop year but perhaps none more important than good weather conditions to kick the season off.

Dr. Jerry Brotzge, Kentucky State Climatologist and Director, of the Kentucky Climate Center and Kentucky Mesonet said the next several weeks are forecast to be relatively warm (average to above-normal temperatures) and wet (above-normal precipitation).

“We are expected to enter a rather active period, at least for the first few weeks of April with a series of systems moving across Kentucky,” he said. “At the large scale, general high pressure will begin to dominate across the Southeast bringing generally warm temperatures across the East and South.”

Brotzge added that a series of synoptic systems are expected to move across the Ohio Valley during that time, making for a rather wet early to mid-April. 

“Overall, Spring (April-June) is forecast to have above-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation for much of Kentucky,” he said. “Nevertheless, confidence in these forecasts is weak to moderate as large-scale ‘teleconnections’ are transitioning (e.g., now changing from a La Nina to Neutral Phase) and some larger-scale influences weaken during the warmer months.”

As they normally do, farmers across this state will dodge any interruptive weather events as they reach their planting goals.

Alex and Sarah Richardson of Meade County have deep roots in agriculture having both grown up on the farm. Their farming operation consists of about 2,900 acres of corn and soybeans and about 125 acres of winter wheat to go with their cattle, and hay. Alex said, in looking at last year’s crops, corn was good, and soybean conditions varied.

“Last year our corn was excellent, one of the top corn years that we've ever had,” he said. “Soybeans were highly variable depending on planting date, location, what farm got rain and what farm didn't, so I would just call them decent overall.”

Alex said their wheat crop was also good in 2024 with good quality straw they were able to market at a good price. “Overall, it was good production wise, prices could have been better.”

While market prices will often influence planting intentions, The Richardsons take soil health into consideration when planning for the season.

“Sometimes the market dictates that a little bit, but I try to look at long-term soil health and try to keep my rotation fairly equal and fairly consistent,” Alex said. “As farmers, our bread and butter is directly tied to our natural resources so we are going to obviously take care of our soil and water as best as we possibly can because if we lose that, we're out of a job.”

Profitability on the farm is certainly connected to the stewardship farm families practice in their operation. But today’s producers also have other resources to navigate their way through a season.

Alex said he uses a lot of risk management tools which are essential in this day and age including a marketing plan.. The Richardsons, who are the 2024 KFB Young Farm Family of the Year, work closely with a risk management advisor to get as close to what they think will be the cost of production.

“We try to dial in as close as we can to what we think the cost of production is going to be for the upcoming year so we know what the target is that we need to be at for profitability or at least breakeven,” he said. “Once we know that, we start employing different marketing techniques. I think the big thing, is having a handle on what it's going to cost you to produce a bushel of corn, soybeans, or wheat. if you don't know that, you don't know what you're trying to market towards.”

Clay Leveronne, from Grayson County, farms 1,400 acres of row crops in addition to a cow-calf operation. He said while the last few years have presented challenges on the farm, he has to be optimistic for the coming season.   

“In the past few years, we've been able to get started in the fields in mid-April, but you never know what the weather's going to do,” he said. “Last year I think I was able to plant two days in May and most everything that I planted in April I had to replant. So, it makes it a little discouraging thinking about going in and planting early again this year. But for the most part, we've always been able to start mid-April.”

Leveronne said good weather and strong commodity prices would be his order for the year.

“But a farmer doesn't have control over many things,” he said. “For the most part you go into a year not knowing if you're going to make anything or not. But you want to rely on the Lord and hope for the best. It's in your blood, and you've got to love it or you wouldn't farm.”

Leveronne, along with his wife Michelle, and their children Brianna, Jade, Holder, and Carter, make farming a family affair where everyone pitches in. He said for a younger generation getting involved in farming, it’s important to stay positive.

“If you'll work at it, you can make it, but you've got to put in the work for sure,” he said. “I know there's always things that can happen that put a chalk under the wheel but don't get discouraged.”

 Something he said he has enjoyed about the Young Farmer program is meeting people who are going through the exact same things on the farm that he is.

“You look at yourself and you think, well this is just me and what is it that I’m doing wrong,” he said. “Come to find out they're going through the same things.”

Leveronne, who serves as the Grayson County Farm Bureau vice president and Young Farmer chair, said being involved in Farm Bureau is also an asset to all farmers but especially to a new generation. 

“Farm Bureau is one of the top assets that we have as far as being able advocate for the farmer, because as a farmer, a young farmer especially, we often don't have time to go and do these things that are very important to our industry," he said. “Farm Bureau is there for us.”

As both Richardson and Leveronne work their way through planting season, they are continuing a tradition that is important to all, and excited to do it.

“We are always excited at the opportunity to raise another crop and we always want to go into the year hoping that we're going to do at least as well, if not better, than the year before and we're looking at ways to improve,” Alex said.

It is likely to think that for those who don’t farm for a living, it’s hard to imagine the anticipation farm families feel each spring when planting time comes. But Taylor Thompson, KFB Federation Commodity Marketing Specialist sums it up nicely.

"It might be an understatement to say our Kentucky corn and soybean growers are getting prepared for planting season, believe me, they are ready," he said. "But soil temperatures and weather are top of mind and capitalizing on warm and dry days will be key given the ongoing possibility of excess spring precipitation in parts of the Commonwealth."

As the old saying around these parts goes this time of year, “And they’re off!”

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Kentucky Farm Bureau has received a statewide depredation permit that allows for a limited number of black vulture “takes” where black vultures are depredating on livestock. Livestock producers who are experiencing depredation may apply for a Livestock Protection depredation sub-permit that if approved will allow producers to protect livestock against black vulture attacks. This program allows for takes of black vultures or incidental takes of turkey vultures only. No other protected migratory bird species is authorized to be taken under this program.

All applications and reports will be made direct to Fran McCall, Commodity Specialist, either by email at Fran.McCall@kyfb.com or by phone at 502-495-5000.

Applications must be fully completed, signed, and dated by the livestock producer with the applicant agreeing to the terms and conditions of the original statewide depredation permit. Applications must be returned for consideration to the Commodity Division. Because of the limited number of “takes” Kentucky Farm Bureau is issued, all applications will be considered based on past livestock losses, number of livestock on the applicant’s farming operation, number of black vulture roosts, and approximate number of birds in the immediate vicinity. 

Producers cannot be issued a depredation permit by USFWS and apply for and be approved for a KFBF depredation sub-permit. Any livestock producer experiencing severe depredation from black vultures is encouraged to apply for an individual migratory bird depredation permit from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and/or work with USDA APHIS Wildlife Services (WS) to address their specific situation.

Black Vulture Depredation Sub-Permit Process 

2025 Black Vulture Depredation Sub-Permit Application 

A power outage is already enough of a headache. What can make the situation even worse is realizing that if the power has been out for a prolonged period of time, you may also need to find alternate storage for the contents of your refrigerator and freezer before all of the food spoils. Thankfully, a little preparation can go a long way when it comes to keeping your food fresh during a power outage.

Plan ahead

• First, if the forecast is calling for a big storm that has the potential to knock out the power, be sure to have a few important items on hand, such as a large cooler and ice packs or frozen gel packs, to help preserve refrigerated food. Instead of purchasing an overabundance of store-bought ice packs, reuse plastic water, juice, and other drink bottles by filling them with water and tossing them in the freezer to be used as ice packs.
• Next, make sure that the freezer is full, as a half-empty freezer will not keep food safe for nearly as long as a full one will. One way to do this is by freezing items that you may not use immediately, such as extra leftovers and meat. You can also use those makeshift ice packs mentioned above to fill empty space.

During the outage

• If a power outage occurs, be sure to keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed! Food will be safe for up to 4 hours in the fridge, 24 hours in a half-full freezer, and 48 hours in a full freezer. If the power does not come back on during this time, move the food items to a cooler with ice and cold packs, keeping them at a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If the temperature outside is below freezing, fill bottles or containers with water and leave them outside to freeze into homemade ice packs. These can be used to switch out with other ice packs when they begin to melt. It is recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to not place food items directly outside in the cold, as this can be unsanitary and attract hungry wildlife.
• If it is believed that the power will be out for an extended period of time, it may be smart to buy dry or block ice, which will help to keep food cold for a much longer period of time. According to the USDA, fifty pounds of dry ice should take care of an 18-cubic-foot freezer for up to two days.  

Once the outage is over

• When the power comes back on, and it is time to move food items back into the fridge, you may catch yourself worrying about what is still safe to eat, depending on how long it has been. To make life easier, FoodSafety.Gov has an extensive list detailing what is safe to keep, or what needs to be tossed. Click here to view the list.
• It is important to never taste food to determine if it is still edible or not. It is better to be safe than sorry, so if you have any doubts, throw it out!

While we might not be able to know exactly how big of an impact a storm may make, having the right resources and knowledge prior to an emergency can help homeowners be and feel prepared ahead of time. For additional information and tips for how to be fully prepared for severe storms, read our article: Are you prepared for spring storm season?

If you’re a cellphone owner, you know the intense gravitational pull felt in response to a ding or vibration indicating the arrival of a new message. For most people, that magnetism unfortunately doesn’t go away when driving.

Technology got us in this mess, and technology is going to get us out. At least, that’s the sentiment of Deborah Hersman, former CEO of the National Safety Council.

Cell phone blocking technology can combat the prevalent issue of distracted driving by prohibiting calls or texts while a vehicle is in motion. This technology can come in the form of a downloadable app, adding a service to your wireless plan, or installing a device into your vehicle to create a “geofence” (a virtual barrier).  Devices that connect with onboard diagnostics stop your phone when the car is engaged and can send an auto reply to calls and texts.

Popular tech giant Apple took their first stab at distracted driving with an iOS update in 2017. The optional “Do Not Disturb While Driving” safety feature aimed to keep drivers focused on the road by blocking notifications on an iPhone’s lock screen and sending a voluntary, automatic reply to those attempting to text. Although the technology has been available for years now, it hasn't seemed to catch on just yet. According to a 2023 survey by Cambridge Mobile Telematics, only 20% of drivers surveyed frequently use the function. 

Several third-party apps with varying features are available for download in your phone’s app store. While most of them have call- and text-blocking capabilities, others go a step further by allowing parents to track their teen drivers, blocking email and internet access, and disabling smartphone cameras.

It’s important to note that a major concern among those looking to install this technology is the ability to reach 911. Emergency overrides come standard on all blocking devices and apps.

>> In Kentucky, there’s so much to live for. Join us in driving distraction-free.

The notion of distracted driving goes as far back as the invention of the automobile itself. There have always been external distractions–like billboards or people on the side of the road. Internal distractions are nothing new, either–tuning a radio, fiddling with the A.C., reaching for a French fry, or parenting from the front seat. 

The pioneer of distracted driving

Early examples of distracted driving studies go back as far as 1963, when scientist John Senders took to the roads blindfolded--all in the name of research. The Bureau of Public Roads (now the Federal Highway Administration) tasked him with investigating how much time a driver had to spend looking at the roads to drive effectively. To gather his needed data, Senders hopped into a Dodge Polara and drove into midday traffic on I-495 in Massachusetts.

The twist: he was wearing a motorcycle helmet with a sandblasted opaque shield, which was rigged to a sensor that periodically flipped it down over his eyes. With the visor down, Senders could see nothing until he triggered it to lift again for a fraction of a second.   

Senders’ findings were indicative of the future. He wrote in a report published in 1967 about the phenomenon of “road hypnotization": staring at the road ahead, but not actually seeing it. Senders noted a plethora of distractions tugging at drivers’ focus, including the rearview mirror, conversing with a passenger, and checking out landmarks.      

This study led him to develop the “occluded vision paradigm as a measure of attentional demand” (now a part of the protocol for assessment of distraction). This technique is still used today in driving studies and has a long and diverse history of applications, including its use in the development of instrument panel designs in airplane cockpits.    

Senders won an Ig Nobel Prize in Public Safety in 2011 for his study, “The Attentional Demand of Automobile Driving.” He died in 2019 at the age of 99.    

The arrival of cell phones
If only Senders had known what was coming next.    

In 1983, something arrived on the scene that drastically changed the definition of “distracted driving.” That year, cellular telephones were introduced to the American marketplace. 

By 1997, the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) reported that there were more than 50 million cellular customers in the U.S.  That same year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched one of the first intensive studies into the effects of wireless phones on driving.

Among those surveyed, nine out of 10 cellular telephone owners reported using them while driving. This study also surveyed the effects of driving and using a cellphone (inability to maintain speed, lane drifting, and weaving). The study highlighted comments by police officers, who were seeing an increased amount of odd behavior on the roads in conjunction with cell phone usage.

According to AT&T, today more than 90 percent of people say they know the dangers of texting and driving, yet many still find ways to rationalize their behavior.
 

Law enforcement takes action
Florida became the first state to ban the use of any sort of mobile communications device with a law against using headsets, headphones, or any other listening device in 1992. Arizona followed shortly after in 1996, with restrictions on the use of hand-held and/or hands-free communication devices by school drivers.

In 2001, several other states (New Jersey, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York) followed suit, enacting various bans on communications devices while driving. New York was the very first state to restrict the use of hand-held devices by all drivers.

Kentucky’s first law regarding distracted driving and cell phone usage was passed in 2007. It restricted the use of hand-held or hands-free devices by school bus drivers. On April 15, 2010, the Commonwealth House Bill 415 was signed into law, banning texting for drivers of all ages while a vehicle is in motion.

Today
In 2011, the number of wireless subscriber connections in the U.S. (315.9 million) surpassed the population (315.5 million), according to CTIA. Today, more than 97% of Americans own a mobile phone.

Currently, talking on a hand-held cellphone while driving is banned in 29 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thirty-six states and D.C. ban all cell phone use by novice or teen drivers, and 20 states and D.C. prohibit any cell phone use by school bus drivers.

Text messaging is banned for all drivers in 49 states (including Kentucky) and in D.C., Guam, and the Virgin Islands.

Click here to check out your state's laws regarding cellphone usage

In Kentucky, there is a texting ban. No laws currently restrict talking on a hand-held phone behind the wheel. Drivers younger than 18 and school bus drivers are under an “all cell phone ban,” which means these two groups are prohibited from any cell phone usage, including making hand-held phone calls.

The enforcement of these laws is “primary” in Kentucky, meaning a police officer may pull over and ticket a driver if he or she simply observes a violation in action.

In a society of increasingly unlimited availability, it’s obvious that this problem isn’t going away anytime soon. Don’t let a smiley face emoji be the reason you get a ticket–or worse. Please drive distraction-free.