Fayette County farmers literally have been on the outside looking in as Lexington’s urban sprawl has moved toward their farms. But when it comes to having representation in community affairs, Fayette County FB has been an “insider” working for those farm families.

For years, the Fayette County FB Directors have selected members to be responsible for monitoring virtually every group (school board, city council, planning commission, etc.) that influences the community’s fabric. They also establish relationships with their elected officials, as well as other community leaders.

To bolster that strategy, Fayette County FB has a “Legislative Appreciation Dinner” that’s a staple of their annual agenda. Last month’s renewal attracted about 120 people to UK’s E.S. Good Barn for a social hour, a tasty steak dinner and comments from various officials.

Attendees included Lexington Mayor Jim Gray, Vice Mayor Linda Gorton, Urban County Council Members Bill Farmer, Ed Lane, Jennifer Mossotti, Steve Kay, Harry Clark and Julian Beard, plus State Representative Ryan Quarles. Among the other guests were Roger Thomas, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office for Agricultural Policy; Warren Beeler, Ag Policy Director for Agriculture Commissioner James Comer; KFB Directors Eddie Melton, Joe Paul Mattingly, Scott Travis and Randy Chrisman; and KFB Executive Vice President David S. Beck.

Fayette County FB President Walter Hillenmeyer III described the event as “an opportunity to mingle, have a good time and thank them (officials) for all they do for us.”

He added: “We try to be proactive on issues. If we have a relationship with these elected officials, it makes everybody’s job easier.”

The program began with a tribute to long-time Fayette County FB leader Jim Mahan. His close friend, Frank Penn, informed the audience that Mahan would be given a plaque naming him as an honorary director. Before a video tribute, Penn spoke about Mahan’s accomplishments and influence on the local agricultural scene.

Mahan was a long-time KFB Director and currently serves on the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. He has been widely recognized for his work on ag education and ag development initiatives.

In his remarks, Councilman Steve Kay said Mahan and Penn educated him about agriculture while they were all serving on the planning commission. Colleague Bill Farmer also praised Fayette County FB for effectively representing agriculture among those unfamiliar with the industry.