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5 gadgets anyone can use for a safer, smarter home

Whether you’re a computer programmer or someone who can barely program the clock on the microwave, smart technology can be useful for and used by anyone. | Photo credit: Adobe Stock

Picture this: You’re driving to work on a hectic Monday morning, stuck in an endless line of cars, when a sinking feeling washes over you, and you think to yourself: “Did I lock the back door?”

If you’re like most people, this unnerving scenario is familiar. We’re human, after all, and when we rush around constantly from one place to another, we’re eventually bound to forget something. But what happens when this oversight affects the things and people we value most?

Well, there’s an app for that… and an appliance, and a lock, and a sensor, and every type of “gadget” imaginable. Our technology is smarter than ever before. While we haven’t quite reached “Rosie the Robot Maid” levels of advancement, living in a Jetsons-like world is becoming more of a reality each day.

Countless smart home solutions hit the market each day, and this technology, which is geared toward the average consumer, can be found just about anywhere. Whether you’re a computer programmer or someone who can barely set the clock on the microwave, smart tech can be useful for and used by anyone.

Embracing new technology can seem daunting at first, but through simple, app-based controls; professional installation services; and affordable price points; anyone can make their home a little more intelligent.  

Check out five devices you can install today to create a safer, smarter home:

1. Smart security cameras

Security cameras and other home-monitoring technologies have been around for years, but gone are the days of needing to pay for expensive installations and monthly monitoring fees. With an internet connection and a connected device, just about anyone can take home monitoring into their own hands. The available options are limitless, from outdoor surveillance systems to indoor, motion-activated devices that alert you every time movement is detected. Weather-proof cameras ensure monitoring even during the storm, and night-vision devices keep a watchful eye on your home at all hours of the day. With many consumer-grade security cameras for sale at under $100, and with both hard-wired and battery-powered options available, you can trust that your home will be secured in a way that suits your specific needs. 

2. Smart doorbells
Think you have to be home to answer the door? Think again. Through the power of technology, you can now answer your door from anywhere in the world, using video to monitor your doorstep and deterring burglars looking for an unguarded house to raid. There are many smart doorbells on the market, but most models come equipped with motion sensors and two-way audio. Some models include features such as night-vision, on-demand video, push notifications, and cloud-based data storage. Whether you’re in bed or in a different time zone, the notion of “nobody’s home” can become a thing of the past with smart doorbell technology.

3. Smart locks
Remember that sinking feeling described earlier, the one where you forgot to check your locks before heading to work? Well, cross that fear off your list of “worries that keep you up at night,” because smart locks provide the peace of mind you’re after. Smart locks can bolt your door remotely, but they can do so much more than that. Some locks allow you to assign a virtual key to friends and family, sending you user-specific notifications each time someone enters and leaves your home. Other locks can connect to your WiFi or Bluetooth-enabled devices, automatically opening the door when you arrive home and locking the door when you’re on the way out. Some models can be purchased with keypad controls, while others are controlled solely through your phone. And before you start to worry about someone “cyber hacking” their way into your home, know that smart lock technology embraces heavy-duty encryption which secures your data.

4. Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are a must-have in any home. But, as the adage goes, “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” The same can be said about traditional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. They’re great when you’re at home and ready to respond, but how do you protect your beloved family members, pets, and possessions when you’re halfway across town? Enter smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Many of these devices come with constant monitoring and monthly self-tests, with data that can be accessed 24/7 through an app. Even if you’re away, smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can alert you to your home’s status in real-time, letting you know when all is calm and when there’s trouble in the air.

5. Smart thermostat
Have you ever woken up to a freezing home? There’s nothing worse than getting out of bed on a frigid morning to adjust the thermostat, but this problem can be easily solved with smart technology. Unlike a traditional thermostat, smart thermostats don’t require manual adjustments. With a bit of upfront programming, a smart thermostat will begin to learn your household’s temperature needs and adjust accordingly. Many smart thermostats even allow you to adjust the temperature from a mobile app. Besides these learning and accessible-anywhere features, most smart thermostats are also committed to making your home more energy-efficient. Sensors can detect when you’re at home and away, and the smart thermostat can adjust the temperature settings to help you save some green.

Delving into the world of smart home technology can be frightening at first, but with simple, user-friendly solutions at accessible price points, creating a smarter, safer home is something everyone can do. Bring your home into the 21st century and benefit from the security that smart tech offers. Check online or at your local store to begin upgrading your home today.

>> Homeowner Tip: Did you know that Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance also offers discounts for using smoke detectors, dead-bolt locks, and more? Check with your local agent today to see if you qualify for a discount on your Homeowners policy.

 

Earl Browning

Elizabeth Williams

Elizabeth is your local Jefferson County Farm Bureau insurance agent!

Kentucky Farm Bureau has provided residents of the Bluegrass with quality insurance since 1943. As your local agent, I’m proud to serve the Jefferson County community and take care of all your insurance needs with prompt service and personal attention. That’s what being Kentucky’s insurance company is all about. We offer home insurance, auto insurance, life insurance and more. Contact me today for a free quote!

Elizabeth joined KFB in 2016, bringing years of experience in insurance with various carriers in multiple states. A graduate of Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, she also has a family background in farming. Elizabeth spends her free time cheering for her Boilermakers, watching multiple sports, traveling, exploring the restaurant scene in Louisville, and anything Disney related. As a resident of Jefferson County, she has worked with many community organizations and served on multiple boards, even earning several awards.

  • Board Member of Mortgage Bankers Association of Louisville (MBAL); Treasurer 2022 to present, has served as Associate Director 2019, Secretary 2021; Associate Member of the Year 2022 and 2019
  • Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP); Current First Sergeant of Membership Committee; First Sergeant of Cares Committee 2023-2024; Daniel J. Rettig Patriot of the Year Award 2023
  • Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR) member; Fashion Show Committee member; Diamond Sponsor 2022
  • WO Network Founding Member
  • Member of the Purdue Alumni Association
  • Member of the John Purdue Club
  • Former member of Giving to Grow BNI Chapter; served as President, Vice President, and on Membership Committee
  • Nominee Louisville Business First Journal Top 40 under 40 (2024)

Kentucky Cattle Auction Report - February 11, 2025

KY Cattle Auction Report 2.11.25.pdf

2025 Presidents and Vice Presidents Conference Agenda

https://www.kyfb.com/KYFB/assets/File/Federation/PVP Conference/2025-PVP-Conference-Agenda-2.10.25.pdf?cacheid=0.9979035416113251

Calendar Of Events

2025 KFB Calendar of Events as of 2-6-2025.pdf

The 120: Adair County

Adair County, Kentucky, is home to Green River Lake, Lindsey Wilson College, and the quaint town of Columbia (pictured). 

Adair County in South-Central Kentucky is nestled among some of Kentucky’s most well-known bodies of water, making it a hub for lake lovers. Bask in the sun or cast a line at the 8,210-acre Green River Lake, highly regarded by outdoor recreationists as an ideal spot for fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, paddling, and birding. You may even spot a bald eagle, which have been observed during all months of the year but are more readily viewable during the winter months (with peaks in January and February). Visitors or residents of Adair County also enjoy easy access to Lake Cumberland, Dale Hollow Lake, and Barren River Lake, all just a short drive away.

The great outdoors not your thing? That’s okay! The county seat, Columbia, has loads of small-town charm to show off.  Every Saturday morning from May through October, hit the town square for a farmers market featuring loads of local farm fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, and more. Enjoy some southern hospitality at Betty’s Country Cooking, a favorite stop for friendly service, comfort food favorites like biscuits and gravy, and their wildly popular dessert pies, or enjoy a delicious meal at Anderson’s Pizzeria, where live music is on the menu most every weekend.  Walk the historic downtown and pop into local shops, like the Nanwood Market, a family-owned boutique that has home goods, gifts, and even serves coffee and tea! See historical gems like the Adair County Courthouse, which is wonderfully preserved and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Trabue Russell House, which was built in the 1820s and has a medicinal garden maintained by Adair County Extension Master Gardeners.

Adair County is also home to Lindsey Wilson College, a vibrant liberal arts college founded in 1903. A central point of the beautiful, pastoral campus is the John B. Begley Chapel, designed by the late world-renowned architect E. Fay Jones, a disciple of the legendary American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

And while you are in the area, be sure to visit one of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Certified Farm Markets in Adair County: Holiday Farm Market and Penn Country Hams.

Hometown agents. Because personal service still matters.

For your convenience, Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance has multiple offices located in Adair County. Click here for more information.


The 120 is a blog produced by Kentucky Farm Bureau highlighting each of Kentucky's 120 counties—because we're well-known for knowing Kentucky well. 

The 120: Allen County

Barren River Lake spans Allen, Barren, and Monroe counties in Kentucky. | Photo credit: Adobe Stock

Situated along the border of Tennessee, Allen County’s rural, rolling hills are an oasis for those seeking a little down time. Wind down and enjoy the native grass fields hugging Barren River Lake, where camping, hiking, and birding are popular pastimes. Spot indigo buntings and bald eagles during the day, and hear the hoot of the barred owl at night. With 10,000 surface acres of water, there are endless ways to experience the lake. Four boat ramps/recreational areas are located in the county, each offering unique ways to enjoy the natural world:

  • Bailey’s Point is open April through October and, with 215 sites, is the largest of the Army Corps of Engineers’ campgrounds on Barren River Lake. Enjoy waterfront camping, hiking trails, private coves for swimming, playgrounds, and weekend movie nights.
  • Access the water year-round through Brown’s Ford ramp, where you can launch your boat or kayak or cast a line along the banks.
  • Port Oliver boat ramp is open year-round and has an amphitheater, nine lakeside picnic sites, and a winding, waterside boardwalk that is fully ADA accessible. Fun fact: Port Oliver is home to The Port Oliver Yacht Club, which was founded in 1967 and has more than 100 active members! The club hosts many social activities throughout the year.
  • The Walnut Creek Marina is open seasonally and features a picnic area, camping, jet ski rentals, and a boat ramp and dock.

Barren River was named by early pioneers for its treeless fields, which were created by Native Americans who burned sections of woodland to attract grazing buffalo. The area has a storied past, and, as such, there are many historical features and sites to visit and explore in the area. The Halcomb House serves as a time capsule to the history of Scottsville and modern medicine. Dumont Hill at Dugas Park honors the site’s history as a former Civil War encampment. The 36- by 23-foot Rosenwald School, built in the 1920s, was at one time the center for the African American community in Scottsville. Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald built almost 5,000 all-Black schools like this one in the early 1900s, and, thanks to the Allen County Chapter of the Kentucky African American Heritage Council’s preservation, it is one of only a few hundred Rosenwald schools left standing. While you are in the area, don’t forget to spend a tranquil moment at the Scottsville Public Spring, which was the main water source for the town’s settlers and a symbol of Allen County’s cultural heritage and natural resources. This blog would also be glaringly incomplete if it did not mention that Allen County is the official birthplace of Dollar General! J.L. Turner and his son, Cal Turner, Sr., started the concept in Scottsville in 1955.  

With all that exploring, you’re bound to work up an appetite. For those who prefer to dine locally, Scottsville has you covered. Stay lakeside and enjoy a southern breakfast or one of “the best hotdogs on the planet” at the eclectic Paradise Point. Stop into Earl G Dumplin’s, a longtime gathering place for locals, to socialize over a plate of gravy-covered anything, or stop by Harper’s Catfish, family-owned for more than 40 years and serving up—you guessed it—catfish (and much more!) Don’t be alarmed by the gravel road leading to it—yes, you’re going in the right direction. Would you believe that these are just a few examples of the local eats waiting to be tasted?

While you are in the area, be sure to visit one of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Certified Farm Markets in Allen County: Habegger’s Amish Market, known for their delicious fried pies, and Peach Tree Farm and Greenhouse, owned by the 2024 Kentucky Farm Bureau Farm Woman of the Year, Kori Thomas.

Hometown agents. Because personal service still matters.

For your convenience, Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance has multiple offices located in Allen County. Click here for more information.


The 120 is a blog series produced by Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance highlighting each of Kentucky's 120 counties—because we're well-known for knowing Kentucky well.

Farmer of the Year

 

Brenda Paul of Bourbon County is the 2024 Kentucky Farm Bureau “Farmer of the Year”. Paul is pictured above with her family. 

For many years, Kentucky Farm Bureau has given farmers the opportunity to gain recognition for their hard work and knowledge about agriculture through participation in our young farmer contests. Back in 2006, we began a recognition program for farmers of all ages called the Farmer of the Year award. This program rewards farmers for their commitment to excellence in the agriculture industry and their efficiency in farming practices, sound financial management, and leadership in civic organizations.

There are many innovative and successful farmers in Kentucky and this awards program seeks to recognize them for their outstanding farming operations and leadership in our industry. We appreciate your help in recruiting farmers for this contest. If you have any questions about the Farmer of the Year contest or would like to nominate someone for this award, please do not hesitate to contact Renee Carrico, Commodity Division Director at (502) 495-5000. You can access the application for the 2025 Farmer of the Year by clicking the link below. Applications are due by April 18, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET. 

2025 KFB Farmer of the Year Application 

 

Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Tour

The 2025 Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Tour will be held in Louisiana in April of 2025. This will be a great opportunity for Kentucky Farm Bureau members to tour successful livestock and agricultural operations and to enjoy some fun activities along the way. We expect a high level of member interest in this tour. 

Applications for this tour are now closed. 

 

Kentucky Cattle Auction Report - February 4, 2025

KY Cattle Auction Report 2.4.25.pdf

Weekly Economic Report - February 3, 2025

KFB CDWMR 2.3.25.pdf

IFAL

The Institute for Future Agricultural Leaders (IFAL) Program is a unique five-day summer leadership conference that exposes students to college life and explores different fields of study for careers in agriculture. IFAL allows high school juniors to choose between separate conferences at two of Kentucky’s premier universities. This year’s IFAL conferences will be held June 15-19, 2025, at Murray State University in Murray and June 22-26, 2025, at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.  

The IFAL program helps students become more familiar with Farm Bureau, promote agricultural-related career choices, provide leadership development opportunities, and promote each participating university. 

IFAL Guidelines:

  • Students may state their preference concerning which IFAL session they wish to attend. However, stating a preference does not guarantee selection to a specific conference. No one will be assigned to an IFAL conference they did not initially select without personal contact with, and approval from, the student or a family member.
  • The conference is only for students who are currently high school juniors.
  • Kentucky Farm Bureau and the universities will only accept the 45 most qualified applicants for each IFAL conference, so be selective in whom you nominate. The student must be enrolled in a pre-college curriculum.
  • Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, April 1, 2025 to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. 
  • Students should be transported to and from IFAL by a parent, guardian, youth advisor or Farm Bureau representative. If a student drives, his or her car keys must be given to the Farm Bureau representative on-site for safekeeping.
  • Approval for each student applying will be asked via email to a county Farm Bureau official for acceptance. The county’s approval is their guarantee to pay for the student’s registration for the program. County Farm Bureaus will be invoiced following the IFAL conferences.  Please do not send payment prior to receiving an invoice. The fee is $400.00 per participant.

If you have any questions, please contact Taylor Nash at (502) 495-5000, ext. 37374, or via e-mail at Taylor.Nash@kyfb.com

IFAL Application

 

Outstanding Farm Bureau Youth

The purpose of the Outstanding Farm Bureau Youth Contest is to promote youth involvement in county Farm Bureau activities and to recognize leadership, achievements and awards in their schools and communities.

Contestants must...

  • Must be 14 years old at the time of the county contest, but not have reached 19 years old, by January 1 of the following year;
  • Be a member of Kentucky Farm Bureau and represent the county in which the parent/guardian has their membership;  
  • Submit a contest application, along with a certified copy of school grades for the past two years and a listing of extra-curricular activities, to the women's chair of his/her county Farm Bureau by the deadline;  
  • Represent the county at the district contest held between October and November annually;  
  • Represent his/her district at the state competition at the Kentucky Farm Bureau State Annual Meeting in Louisville in early December, if selected as one of the 11 district finalists (male and female).

There are two areas of competition:

  • Personal interview
  • 2-minute prepared speech related to agriculture or Farm Bureau

Contestants will be judged by three people with backgrounds in youth work and/or agriculture.
 

OFBY Prizes

  • County/District Awards - Prizes awarded in varying amounts.
  • District Awards - Outstanding Farm Bureau Youth Winners - $100*
  • State Awards-All state contestants will receive a 26" wheeled duffel bag

*Participation in the state contest is a requirement to be awarded this prize.

Winners:

  •  $3,500 scholarship 
  •  Watch
  •  Luggage
  •  Trip to Washington, DC on the Congressional Tour in February

Runners-up

  • Portfolio
  • $300

Congeniality

  • $100

2024 OFBY Application 

2024 OFBY Handbook

Emily Smith

Kentucky Cattle Auction Report - January 28, 2025

KY Cattle Auction Report 1.28.25.pdf

About Us

OFFICERS

President   Wm. David Horn
Vice President   H. Duff Holbrook
Secretary   John McGlone
 Treasurer   John Campbell
Farm Bureau Women's Chair   Jackie Kidd
 Young Farmer's Chair   Trevor Hall
     

DIRECTORS

Michael Dixon   Rush
Trevor Hall   Rush
Gary Shockey   Ashland

 

Former Kentucky Farm Bureau President Mark Haney Presented with National Organization's Highest Honor

Former Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) President Mark Haney has been chosen as the recipient of American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2025 Founders Award, one of the national organization’s highest honors. He will be recognized on January 26 during the AFBF’s 106th Convention in San Antonio.

First presented in January 2017, AFBF’s Founders Award recognizes exemplary leadership, service, or contributions to Farm Bureau. Haney was nominated for this award by KFB and selected as the 2025 winner by a national Farm Bureau committee.

A native of Pulaski County, Haney served on the board of Kentucky Farm Bureau for more than three decades and is the longest-serving president of the organization, stepping down after 15 years as president in 2023. He is well-known for proactive engagement with legislators to ensure the voices of farmers were heard and addressed at the local, state and national level. This included the advancement of many policies and initiatives supporting agricultural growth and sustainability for farmers across the nation.  

Throughout his time at KFB, Haney played a key role in creating and implementing initiatives that enhanced agriculture in the Bluegrass state, including the Certified Farm Market Program to support local farmers, the Generation Bridge Program, which engages members between the ages of 36-50, and the Legacy Farm Program. 

“It is very humbling for me to receive this award,” Haney said. “I know the quality of people that serve in Farm Bureau and the things that they have accomplished. For me to be mentioned in that elite group is such an honor.”

“Mark is an exceptional leader,” said KFB President Eddie Melton. “He has demonstrated unparalleled leadership and dedication to farmers in Kentucky and across America’s agricultural community.”

Down the Backroads: "Oh, That Younger Generation!"

I don’t believe there has ever been a group of older folks, such as myself, who didn’t complain about the younger generation following them. And yes, I have done that on occasion.

However, I was young at one point in my life and truly believe the generation before me, including my own sweet parents, had reservations about us “kids” and how we would turn out as adults and what damage we might do to the world we live in.

With that said, I was fortunate enough to have been raised by parents that instilled a work ethic in me, taught me right from wrong, and never failed to tell me they loved me and were proud of me, even at times when they could have easily not been very proud.

I certainly wasn’t perfect, and neither are the younger generations making their way into a very difficult grown-up world we live in today.

Whenever I feel aggravated, for whatever reason, at one of these Generation Zs or Generation Alphas as they are known, I think back to my days as a teenager. I’m sure I did my share of things that led to aggravation by my elders.

Several years ago, I happened to be having lunch at a restaurant where a large group of my high school teachers had gathered for a retirement event. As I left, I passed their table and several spoke up to say hello. 

I took the opportunity to thank them for their efforts and to collectively apologize for any mischief I may have caused them during my school career. Luckily, they laughed and said I wasn’t that bad! I wasn’t sure how to take that, but I did feel a sense of relief in my confession to them.

More recently, I have had the opportunity to visit with or hear from several young people who have been the subject of interviews for a magazine story or a Farm Bureau connection during our recent annual meeting.

And I have to say, I don’t believe I have ever met a more dynamic, well spoken, and generally pleasant group of young people, with the exception of my own children, of course. (They read this column!)

With each encounter, I walked away feeling such a sense of comfort knowing what great leaders these “kids” will become one of these days. I can assure you that the future will be bright with such well-rounded young people looking to take the world by storm as they grow.

While not all of those that make up these younger generations will be as “dynamic,” the potential is there for all of them, perhaps if we show them a little grace when one messes up our fast-food order or offer some mentorship for those still searching a path forward.

After all, even some of us older folks are still searching for a path, as we travel down the backroads. 

Kentucky Farm Bureau Honored by National Organization for Program Excellence in 2024

Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) was recognized with four Awards of Excellence at American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 106th Convention in San Antonio on January 26.

The Awards of Excellence recognize state Farm Bureaus that demonstrated outstanding achievements in four program areas during 2024: Advocacy, Coalitions & Partnerships, Engagement & Outreach and Leadership & Business Development. KFB was recognized in all four categories. 

“We’re proud to be honored by our peers as a Farm Bureau that is advocating for farm families,” said KFB President Eddie Melton. “More than 380 KFB members were with us in San Antonio to celebrate this milestone — one of the largest delegations from any state. Exceptional engagement like this from our members is typical in all we do. I am so pleased to see  our volunteer leaders be recognized for their hard work.”