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Take a breath… you did it. You’re officially a new homeowner! Now that you’re a pro in the homebuying game, it’s time to become a pro at homeowning. The learning curves will ensue, but with a little preparation and research, you can be ready for any storm (literally or figuratively) that comes your way.

According to the National Association of REALTORS^®, first-time homebuyers accounted for 32% of all buyers in the U.S. in 2023. Being a new homeowner can be overwhelming. There are many moving parts and all kinds of things to learn about home maintenance. Fortunately, there are several things that can be done to make the transition into homeownership a smooth one. Here are three essential steps to becoming a prepared and informed homeowner:

1. Get familiar with your home. All homes require regular maintenance and repairs. Familiarizing yourself with things like utility systems and basic upkeep can potentially save “future you” money, stress, and time. Some routine maintenance items include changing air filters, replacing the water filter (if applicable), cleaning the gutters, testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and cleaning the oven. Preventative maintenance on these items can extend their life and help avoid potential breakdowns or damage resulting from lack of upkeep.
   
   It is also beneficial to ask if the home’s sellers have a list of contractors they’ve used who might be familiar with the house and its specific needs. Knowing the home’s maintenance history is very helpful when the time comes that you will inevitably need to reach out to a specialist for repairs on things like plumbing or the HVAC system. For additional information on the history of your home, getting to know your neighbors who have spent time in and around your home may provide clarification for questions you have – and it doesn’t hurt to have a nearby friend to run to when you need to borrow a cup of flour or a ladder!
    
2. Take time making your home your own. After buying a home, the first instinct is often to make your home your own – which typically means changing everything from the wall colors to the flowers in the yard. However, budgeting and planning out such projects before jumping into things quickly gives the homeowner a better idea of what and when they can be done – and helps prioritize the workload and associated costs. It is also important to have a plan (and money set aside) for rainy day situations and long-term maintenance. And, when you complete projects, be sure to keep receipts and records to show the increased value added to your home.  
    
3. Update your important information. A brand-new address is very exciting, but make sure you officially change your address with the United States Postal Service. It is additionally important to change locks, garage codes, and security codes in any newly purchased home to ensure safety and peace of mind. For tax purposes, keep all documentation and records about your house, such as closing paperwork, home improvement invoices and receipts, and your annual mortgage statement. Lastly, it is vital for a new homeowner to have proper home insurance coverage for when the unexpected happens. For full coverage and alleviated stress when filing a claim, it is important to create a home inventory. And if you find yourself needing to make an insurance claim for your home, read our Understanding Your Homeowners Insurance Claim article for more helpful information.

Need insurance coverage for your new home? Call your local KFB Insurance agent today.

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. 

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.

In the far western corner of Kentucky lies Ballard County, a rural region at the convergence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Winding riverbanks and 30,000 acres of verdant land make Ballard County a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the best ways to enjoy the county’s natural splendor is to visit the Ballard Wildlife Area, an 8,200-acre area in the Mississippi River floodplain that is open to the public from March 16 to October 14 annually. This area is characterized by oxbow lakes, bogs, grasslands, and tupelo and cypress swamps. Viewing opportunities are numerous for birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians—from raccoons, deer, and beavers to transient pelicans, wood ducks, and bald eagles.  Maintained roads provide access to various observation decks and photography blinds, or the more adventurous souls can opt to explore via kayak or canoe, though be warned some areas are quite remote and are home to venomous cottonmouth snakes (also known as water moccasins).

It's worth noting that the nearby Axe Lake State Nature Preserve, though only accessible by written permission, is an unusual ecosystem in the state. It is known for its large, intact bald cypress-tupelo swamp, a landscape more commonly seen in southern coastal areas of the United States. This fragile biome is home to at least eight rare plant and animal species.  

Back on land and out of the swamps, Ballard County is rife with history. The Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site preserves an ancient Mississippian archaeological site. The museum offers a glimpse of the Native Americans that lived there and in other spots along the Mississippi River. These cultures, which farmed, hunted, and fished, built permanent homes and earthen mounds, the remnants of which can still be seen today. The largest intact mound at the site is known as the Ceremonial Mound, where political and religious activities would have taken place in the prehistoric Native American village.   

The Barlow House Museum in nearby Barlow also opens a fascinating window to the past. This expansive, 11-room Victorian mansion was home to Clifton Jesse Barlow, his wife, and their seven children. The museum showcases the family’s unusual collection of 20th century artifacts, furniture, crafts, and memorabilia.

The Fort Jefferson Site, overlooking the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, marks the location of the first European settlement in far western Kentucky.  It was a short-lived stronghold for protecting the western border of the United States during the Revolutionary War and, during the Civil War, offered logistical support and supplies for the Union Army. In the 1990s, dozens of local churches worked together to build a 95-foot cross on the site, which is lit at night and can be seen from Missouri and Illinois.

Though the brilliance of Ballard County undoubtedly lies in its quiet, natural beauty, there are some must-stop spots if you’re enjoying the rural back roads and need a bite to eat. Smokey D’s Family Restaurant’s smoked meats are well-loved by locals and travelers alike, and Kentucky Hillbilly BBQ serves up tasty menu items like the “Hillbilly BBQ Tater” and “Pawpaw’s Coleslaw.” The Bluegrass Restaurant is a small-town spot with noteworthy service serving up catfish and fried green tomatoes, and Mimmie’s Pizza and Subs is the perfect stop for some pub food (try their smiley face fries, General Tso’s wings, or dessert pizza if you’re feeling fun!). 

Hometown agents. Because personal service still matters.

For your convenience, Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance has insurance agents located in Ballard 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.

*The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identifies May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.   

Sun in your face, wind in your hair, and endless bluegrass-lined roads before you: An evening or weekend cruise on a motorcycle can be exciting, relaxing, and adrenaline-fueled all at the same time.   

But that exhilaration can come at a hefty price. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), per vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclists are approximately 28 times more likely than people in passenger cars to die in a traffic crash. Additionally, when motorcycles and other vehicles collide, it is usually the other (non-motorcycle) driver who violates the motorcyclist’s right-of-way. In 2022 (the latest statistics available), 6,218 motorcyclists were killed on U.S. roadways. 

One piece of protective gear has the ability to greatly re­duce the above statistics: a helmet. On average, riders not wearing a helmet are three times more likely than helmeted ones to sustain traumatic brain injuries in a crash, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).     

Motorcycles in Kentucky
Motorcycling is a common hobby in our state. According to the Kentucky State Police, there are almost 100,000 motorcycles currently registered in the Bluegrass State. 

Kentucky first enacted a motorcycle helmet law for all riders in 1968. This law was amended in July 1998 to require helmet use only by:   

•  Motorcycle operators and passengers under the age of 21;
•  Motorcycle operators who possess a motorcycle instruction permit;
•  Motorcycle operators who have had an operator’s license for less than one year.

When Kentucky repealed the law in 1998, motorcycle fatalities increased by more than 50 percent (NHTSA).  

In comparing states with and without helmet laws, the statistics are rather telling. In states where a helmet is required for all riders, 9 percent of motorcyclists killed in 2011 were not wearing a helmet. That same year in states without a universal helmet law, 65 percent of motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets.

Battling excuses
Some riders claim that helmets reduce their peripheral visibility, but a helmet approved by the DOT (Department of Transportation) will not impair your visibility. A study of more than 900 motorcycle crashes did not find even one case in which a helmet kept a rider from spotting danger.

Other motorcycle riders will only bring along a helmet during long trips. Research shows that most crashes happen on short trips (less than five miles long), according to the Kentucky State Police.

Still yet, others will argue that protective head gear is not necessary on a low-speed cruise. However, research shows that most riders are traveling slower than 30 mph when a crash occurs. At that speed, a helmet can cut the number and severity of head injuries by as much as 50 percent.

Picking the right helmet
Finding the right helmet could literally be the defining factor between life and death.

Always look for the DOT symbol on the outside back of the helmet. This proves it has passed safety standards and will protect the head and brain in the event of a crash.

For a helmet to be DOT-approved, it must have:

• A thick inner liner. The minimum Federal safety standard requires a one-inch-thick inner liner made of polystyrene foam.
• Sturdy chin strip and rivets.
• A substantial weight. Helmets meeting the safety standard generally weight about 3 pounds.

Beware of “novelty helmets.” The NHTSA reports that retailers annually sell more than 800,000 of these unsafe helmets, which are usually peddled online, come in flashy colors and are less expensive than DOT-approved helmets. These helmets offer little protection and are bought for style rather than safety, and while they are cheaper, they may cost you your health in the event of an accident.

>> We want you to be safe out there on the road… but accidents still happen.
At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’ve got agents in all 120 counties. Click to find one near you.

Tires were built to be indestructible. While that’s great for your vehicle, it’s bad news for the Earth. In the past, tires often ended up as junk in landfills, stockpiles, vacant properties, on the side of the road, and in waterways. Repurposing tires was almost unheard of just 25 years ago, and, back in 1990, only 11 percent of scrap tires each year were recycled, according to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA).

Thanks to aggressive repurposing efforts at the national and state level, innovative technologies, and environmental regulations, the recycling of tires is now a priority in the U.S. While tires are one of the most recycled products in the U.S., the end-of-life markets are not keeping pace with the annual generation of scrap tires, according to the USTMA. 

The 2021 Scrap Tire Management Report, the most recent report available, revealed that about 71% of scrap tires were recycled in 2021. This is down from 96% in 2013, when scrap tire recycling peaked.

“Three decades after we successfully eliminated 94% of the over one billion scrap tires stockpiled around the country, this report reveals that efforts to find and develop new uses for scrap tires have stalled,” said Anne Forristall Luke, president and CEO of USTMA. “We must take immediate steps to grow new and existing markets to recycle 100% of scrap tires. This not only protects our health and the environment - it drives innovation and jobs.”

The Kentucky Division of Waste Management (DWM) estimates that about 4 million scrap tires are generated annually in Kentucky. The DWM strongly encourages consumers to leave worn tires with the retailer when purchasing a new set. For a small fee, that retailer can manage the tire in an earth-friendly way.  

For individuals who prefer to manage proper tire disposal themselves, the state-run Waste Tire Collection Program allows Kentuckians to drop off unwanted tires at specific locations within their county at no cost. The division warns that residential pickup services will not take used tires, and not all landfills will, either.   

So what happens to tires when they retire from life on the road? Luckily, used tires can be made into many awesome things, like:    

• Tire-derived fuel
  The majority of used tires are turned into a more economical alternative to fossil fuels. This gas is commonly used in cement kilns, paper mills, and industrial boilers. 
   
• Ground rubber
  More than 60 million used tires in the U.S. each year are recycled as rubberized asphalt, sport surfaces like fields and running tracks, mulch, and rubberized asphalt. Never heard of rubberized asphalt? This method results in quieter, more durable roads.    
   
• Civil engineering
  Tire shreds are a lightweight alternative to fill materials such as gravel or sand. Recycled tires work great for road and landfill construction, septic tank leach fields, and embankments. Their compress­ibility and high permeability make tire shreds a perfect fit for building retaining walls. Tire shreds drain much better than gravel, and provide 9 times more thermal insulation than gravel.      
   
• Do-it-yourself home projects
  There are plenty of things you can do with used tires around your house. Turn them into colorful flowerbeds, or give your kids the gift of an old-fashioned tire swing. You can even paint one and stuff a pillow inside for a wonderfully fluffy pet bed. Just be aware that if you allow water to collect in a tire, it can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.   

For more information on Kentucky’s Waste Tire Collection Program, click here.
 

>> KFB lives and works in the Bluegrass State. To see some of the ways we’re invested in helping Kentucky flourish, click here.

Kentucky’s diverse terrain makes it the perfect landscape for some ATV fun. Want a sweeping panoramic view? Traverse the trails of eastern Kentucky to reach a sprawling ridge top. River bottom riding more your style? Western Kentucky has you covered. There’s no doubt about it: Four-wheeling is fun… but it’s important to keep in mind that ATVs are not exactly toys.   

According to statistics from ATVSafety.gov, a service of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kentucky is one of the top five states in the nation for average ATV fatalities. 

Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance offers the following tips to help keep ATV riders safe across the Bluegrass State:

1. Get schooled! | Before heading for the trail to an off-road adventure, check out a driver education course specifically designed for ATVs. Proper instruction will inform riders of the correct ways to control an ATV on the various types of terrain that might be encountered. A formally-trained driver has a lower risk of accidents and injuries than one with no formal instruction.
2. Always wear a helmet. | In Kentucky, it’s the law. All riders (operator and passengers) 16 or over on public property must wear a helmet, except those using the ATV for agricultural or business purposes. All riders (operator and passengers) under age 16 must wear helmets no matter the circumstance.
3. Don’t forget special riding gear. | Like fly fishers who wear waterproof waders and snowboarders adorned in big bulky jackets, ATV riders should also come equipped for the elements they will encounter. Wear goggles, gloves, pants, boots that sit over the ankle, and long-sleeved shirts to avoid the cuts and scrapes that are more likely to occur when brushing up against trees, shrubs, rocks, and other debris with exposed skin.      
4. Stay off the road. | ATVs are designed to be operated off-highway and can actually be hard to control on paved surfaces. Under Kentucky law, ATV use on public roads or highways is prohibited, except to cross these roads or for agricultural use. Many ATV fatalities occur because a rider was traveling on a paved road.
5. Keep size in mind. | ATVs are growing bigger and faster than ever. Some ATVs can weigh up to 600 pounds and exceed 70 mph. ATVs can be too large for smaller kids to handle safely, even if it's legal for them to be riding them. The CPSC reports that almost 1/5th of ATV-related injuries treated in emergency rooms involved children less than 16 years of age. The National Ag Safety Database offers information – and additional safety tips – on the recommended ages for youth operation of ATVs and their various sizes and power.     
6. Don’t ride with a passenger. | Most ATVs are designed with only one rider in mind – the driver. Adding a passenger to the vehicle is not only a distraction, but it also interferes with the driver’s ability to move in tandem with the machine while navigating rough terrain. The inability to freely shift one’s weight from side to side limits the driver’s ability to maintain safe control of the ATV and could lead to an accident.      
7. Don’t drive under the influence. | Recreational use of ATVs can make for an enjoyable afternoon of adventure, but mixing those experiences with alcohol or drugs only impairs a driver’s judgment and reaction times.

We’re all for enjoying Kentucky’s beautiful sights via four-wheeler, but practice these tips to help reduce ATV injuries and fatalities this year and for years to come.       
 

>> In Kentucky, there’s so much to live for. Join us in driving distraction-free. To learn more about distracted driving’s prevalence in the Bluegrass State, click here.

As warmer temperatures hit the Bluegrass State, more and more Kentuckians will be out enjoying the weather via bicycle. Some may hop on a cruiser for a casual neighborhood pedal, while others might opt for a high-speed road ride to their favorite coffee shop.   

Americans are increasingly using bicycling as a true means of transportation – the number of cyclists traveling to and from work has more than doubled in the last decade. By law, bicycles on the roadway have the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicles. When it comes to the motorist-cyclist relationship, everyone needs to remember that it’s a two-way street! A mutual respect between drivers and bicyclists must exist for each type of traveler to arrive at their destination safely.

Check out these tips and help make Kentucky’s roadways peaceful for both those behind the wheel and those behind the handle bars:
 

If you are a bicyclist:

1. Do not drink and ride! In Kentucky, it’s actually illegal to operate a bike if your blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds .08. Under KRS (Kentucky Revised Statute) 189.520, “No person under the influence of intoxicating beverages or any substance which may impair one's driving ability shall operate a vehicle that is not a motor vehicle anywhere in this state.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 21 percent of bicyclists killed in crashes had a BAC of .08 or higher – the illegal limit in most states.    
2. Get the right bike. One that’s too big or too small will be harder to control. Make sure it’s tuned up and works right (it doesn’t matter how well you ride if the brakes don’t work!).
3. Wear equipment that makes you more visible to others, like bright clothes during the day and reflective gear and lights/reflectors at night. According to the NHTSA, bicyclist deaths occur most often between 6 and 9 p.m.
4. Ride one per seat, with both hands on the handlebars!
5. Be predictable. Learn the proper turn signals and use them consistently. Ride where drivers expect to see you and go with the flow of traffic. Obey all traffic signals and signs as if you were in a car.
6. Avoid or minimize sidewalk riding. Cars don’t expect to see moving traffic on a sidewalk and don’t look for you when backing out of a driveway or turning. Sidewalks sometimes end unexpectedly, forcing the bicyclist into a road when a car isn’t expecting to look for a bicyclist.
7. Carry all items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike.
8. Tuck and tie your shoe laces and pant legs so they don’t get caught on your bike. Avoid baggy clothing or shoes that impede your ability to properly ride.
9. Plan your route carefully. If driving as a vehicle on the road, choose routes with less traffic and slower speeds. According to NHTSA, the vast majority (71 percent) of bike crashes happen in urban settings. Your safest route may be away from traffic altogether, in a bike lane or on a bike path.
    

If you are in a vehicle:

1. Do not underestimate the speed of a cyclist! This will help avoid turning in front of a bicyclist traveling on the road or sidewalk, often at an intersection or driveway.
2. Always search your surroundings for bicyclists, just like you would for other vehicles.
3. If you’re turning right on red, look to the right and behind to avoid hitting a bicyclist approaching from the right rear.
4. Give cyclists room! Kentucky state law says vehicles should leave at least three feet of space when passing bicyclists. Move back into the lane only when well clear of the bicyclist.
5. Understand a bicyclist’s vulnerability. In a collision, it’s a two-ton car versus a 20-pound bike.

Share the road! Click here for a complete look at Kentucky’s laws regarding drivers and bicyclists.   
 

>> We want you to be safe out there on the road… but accidents still happen.
At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’ve got agents in all 120 counties. Click to find one near you.

OFFICERS

DIRECTORS

Kentuckians can be proud of their federal delegations’ leadership roles.

When I moved to Kentucky a couple years ago, people often asked two questions: (1) “Where are you moving from?”, and (2) “What do you do?” When I told them I was coming from D.C. and that I worked in government relations for Kentucky Farm Bureau, I was met with a lot of wide-eyed stares followed by, “Oh my gosh! You actually lived in D.C.? I just can’t imagine…”

In my role, I help our members make sense of what’s happening in Congress and serve as their advocate to our federal delegation and the Administration. For anyone who watches the news, there’s frequently a sense of, “What in the world is going on in D.C.?” Couple that with a change in presidential administrations and you’ve got a population with more questions that usual. So…what’s going on in D.C.? Well, I’m glad you asked.

As we look to the Hill, Kentuckians can be proud that we have a federal delegation serving as chairmen of some of the most influential committees. Senator Paul leads Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Representative Guthrie sets at the helm of Energy and Commerce, and Representative Comer chairs Oversight and Government Reform. In addition to these chairmen, we have Representative Barr, who is a high-ranking member of Financial Services, and Representative Rogers, who serves as Dean of the House of Representatives. Not only are the members of our delegation serving in key roles – they know the value of agriculture and work with KFB to ensure a bright future for our industry.

Most recently, Senator Mitch McConnell, who holds the title of longest serving party leader in Senate history, introduced the Protecting American Farmlands Act (S. 930). This legislation was a coordinated effort between Senator McConnell and KFB and stems from the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative. When we shared with Senator McConnell and his team that Kentucky lost more than 546,000 acres of farmland from 2017 to 2022, they jumped into action. This bill allows a landowner to sell their farmland to an active farmer if the buyer promises to keep the land in active production for at least 10 years. The seller then takes the gains from that sale and places it into a qualified retirement account, only paying taxes on the withdrawals rather than a massive capital gains tax. This would create a viable retirement option for farmers while keeping ag land in the hands of farmers.

Not only is there positive news from Congress, but with just over three months into the new Administration, most key cabinet posts have been filled. One post not yet confirmed is that of USDA Deputy Secretary. Judge Stephen Vaden, who currently serves on the U.S. Court of International Trade, has been nominated to fill that role. Judge Vaden hails from West Tennessee and comes from a farming family with farms in Tennessee and Kentucky. Some of our members may remember hearing him speak during our 2024 Congressional Tour. His background in trade and agriculture is sure to serve him well once confirmed.

While it may seem like the wild west at times, our members can rest assured there are positive things happen in our nation’s capital.

Ericka King, Director
KFB Federation National Affairs and Government Relations