About Us

Sunscreen and sunglasses? Check. Good food and cold drinks? Of course. Catchy summer tunes? Definitely. It’s easy to compile your list of boating must-haves, but if you’re forgetting safety, you could be heading for rough waters.

Taking a trip to the lake is one of the best ways to escape the blistering Kentucky heat, and each summer thousands of Kentuckians make the trek to one of the state’s 40+ picturesque waterways. As your family prepares for your next boating adventure, make sure safety is included on your prep list. While we can’t plan for everything in life, a bit of caution and preparation could save you from a potentially costly—and deadly—accident.     

Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance claims data reveals that May, June, and July are the peak months for boating claim occurrences (although August is a close fourth). Collisions top the list of KFB’s boating claims—representing 60% of all incidents over the past five years—and are commonly associated with driver error. Nearly 60% (just shy of $ 6 million) of the over $10 million that KFB Insurance paid out for 1,522 boating exposures during the last five years came from that category alone.

Fortunately for KFB policy-holders, most boating accidents submitted as insurance claims have not resulted in bodily harm (just 0.07%), but it is advisable to recognize that accidents with injuries do happen.”

Follow these three tips to ensure smooth sailing on Kentucky’s waterways this summer:

1. Pack smart.

• Life jackets. Life jackets are a must. Both state and federal law require a Type I, II, or III personal flotation device on all boats. Vessels greater than 16 feet in length must also have a Type IV, or throwable, personal flotation device. All children 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket whenever a boat is in motion.
• Fire extinguishers. Don’t get burned by negligence. State law requires all boats equipped with a petroleum product consuming device (engine, lantern, stove, etc.) to have a handheld fire extinguisher on board. It may seem silly to worry about fire when you’re surrounded by so much water, but fire claims are no laughing matter. KFB Insurance paid out an average of $7,456 for each boating fire claim over the past five years.  
• Signaling devices. Make sure you can be heard. Boats 16 feet or longer are required by Kentucky law to have a signaling device capable of producing an audible blast for at least two seconds and that can be heard for a half-mile. Boats 26 feet or longer must have a device that is audible for a mile, and vessels 40 feet or longer must have one with an audible range of 1.5 miles.
• Navigation lights. Guarantee you can be seen. Any vessel operating on the water between sunset and sunrise must display proper navigation lights. Sidelights are required on the bow (front) of the boat—red on the port (left), green on the starboard (right)—and an all-around white light in the stern (rear). This helps give boaters an indication of the size and speed of other boats on the water when visibility is limited and indicates if a boat is in a meeting, crossing, or overtaking position.

All of this gear can be purchased for under $100, but the savings can be priceless when you’re on the water and experiencing an emergency.

2. Think before you drink.

Most of us are aware that state law forbids drinking in public, but did you know that lakes and waterways are considered public spaces in Kentucky? That means no drinking while on the water, whether you’re driving or just enjoying the cruise as a passenger. It is additionally important to remember that operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal in all states and a violation of federal law, but it is also extremely dangerous. The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) says that a boater with a blood alcohol content of .08 (equivalent to a 180-lb. male consuming five beers in one hour) is 10 times more likely to die in a boating accident than a boater with a zero blood alcohol level.

3. Know the ways of the waterways.

Lakes and rivers don’t have painted lanes like our roads, so it’s important to know the ways of the waterways. Collisions account for more boating claims than any other reason. Learning the right of way in the three most common boating situations—meeting, overtaking, and crossing—can help you avoid an accident.

• When meeting another boat head-on, keep to the right as if you were driving on a road.
• When overtaking another boat (or passing from behind) go around. Keep in mind that the boat in front of you may not be aware of your presence.
• When crossing paths with another boat, remember that the boat on the right has the right of way. The boat on the left must give way to the stand-on vessel.

If you find yourself in an emergency situation on one of Kentucky’s waterways, you can reach an officer by dialing 1-800-252-5378 or by contacting a local law enforcement agent through the nearest Kentucky State Police post. You can also use marine channel 16 to contact your local marina. Safety is the one thing you definitely want to include on your boating list, and being prepared can ensure fun for you and your family all summer long.

>> Need help protecting your boat? Click here to learn more about boat insurance products offered through Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance.

A division of Farm Bureau Bank®, Farm Bureau Mortgage’s dedicated team of mortgage experts will work with you to find the best possible home loan options to fit your exact needs and goals. Working with lenders across the country who compete for your business, our team can deliver more types of mortgage products and programs with terms to fit your situation – whether its purchasing, refinancing, building or accessing your home’s equity for a large expense.

To learn more about all our home loan options, visit www.farmbureau.mortgage today!

*Farm Bureau, FB, and the FB National Logo are registered services marks owned by, and used by Farm Bureau FSB under license from, the American Farm Bureau Federation. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS ID 2214437, visit NMLS Consumer Access for details.

Farm Bureau is a voluntary organization operating under the code 501(c)5 not-for-profit guided and directed by our nearly 13,000 member families. We are committed to educating the public about agriculture, encouraging youth in advancing education and leadership skills and contributing to our community to make Fayette County the best place to live, work, raise a family and have a great quality of life.

OFFICERS

Outside our country’s sprawling metropolises, shielded from the hustle and bustle of urban life, there are still places where face time doesn’t always include a smartphone, and connections aren’t affected by connectivity issues. Where modern mindsets meet rural lifestyles and hard work isn’t limited to a cookie-cutter 9 to 5. Places where people choose to live a little differently.

And it’s for these people that Farm Bureau Bank was created.

Farm Bureau Bank is a bank for those who want community bank relationships with large bank resources – products and services specifically designed with Farm Bureau members in mind.

PERSONAL BANKING

Checking & Savings Accounts

• Interest-bearing Performance Checking
• Money Market Accounts
• Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
• Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

Credit Cards

• Farm Bureau Member Rewards Mastercard®
  • The card that pays your Farm Bureau membership dues*
  • Earn triple points on gas, grocery, & dining purchases*
  • Earn double points on your insurance premiums*

Vehicle Loans

• New and used auto, RV, motorcycle, ATV, personal watercraft & boat
• Up to 100% financing and refinancing
• Competitively priced protection plans

Farm Bureau® Mortgage

• Full-service, dedicated team to meet your needs
  • Purchase
  • Refinance
  • Construction
  • Home Equity Lines of Credit

BUSINESS & COMMERCIAL BANKING

Checking, Savings & Account Management

• Small to large business checking account solutions
• Money Market Accounts
• Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
• Treasury Management & Fraud Prevention Solutions
  • Payroll Services through Payentry®
  • Electronic Payments (ACH Services)
  • Lockbox Services
  • Positive Pay
  • Business Online & Mobile Banking & more!

Credit Cards

• Farm Bureau Bank Premier Business Visa®
  • Earn rewards on everyday purchases*

Loans

• Commercial Real Estate Loans – Owner – Occupied & Investment Real Estate
• Real Estate Secured Lines of Credit
• Working Capital Term Loans – Long & Short Terms
• Operating Lines of Credit
• Equipment Loans

To learn more about Farm Bureau Bank’s products and services, visit www.farmbureau.bank or contact a personal banker today by calling 800.492.3276.

*See product terms and conditions at www.farmbureau.bank. Farm Bureau, FB, and the FB National Logo are registered service marks owned by, and used by Farm Bureau Bank FSB under license from the American Farm Bureau Federation. Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC. NMLS ID 2214437, visit NMLS Consumer Access for details.

Across Kentucky is a one-minute program provided to 130 radio stations in every part of the Commonwealth. The show highlights the news and newsmakers for Kentucky Farm Bureau and Kentucky agriculture.

FOR HELP WITH PASSWORDS OR ANY OTHER QUESTIONS,

CONTACT US

Fran McCall, Commodity Specialist and
Certified Farm Market Coordinator

Fran.McCall@kyfb.com | 502.495.5000 office | 502.836.9523 cell

Margaret Gambert, Adminstrative Assistant

Margaret.Gambert@kyfb.com | 502.495.5000 office

Get to know the people and policies that make up Kentucky Farm Bureau and Kentucky's agriculture community through engaging discussions, colorful stories, and informative interviews. Subscribe and get access to all four Kentucky Farm Life Podcast series!

Between the Rows
    A weekly series focused on sharing stories from the Kentucky farming community. Hosts Renee Carrico and Matt Hilton of Kentucky Farm Bureau chat with farmers to learn how and why they do the work they love.

Farm to Frankfort
    Each month, Kentucky Farm Bureau President Eddie Melton and KFB Public Affairs Director Kyle Kelly host Farm to Frankfort, a discussion-based program focused on agriculture issues faced by Kentucky farmers.

Down the Backroads
    The Down the Backroads podcast is based on a monthly column by KFB News Editor Tim Thornberry, in which he shares his personal stories, thoughts, and memories about rural life in Kentucky and beyond.

Kentucky Farm Bureau News: the podcast
    A collection of insightful interviews from Kentucky Farm Bureau News magazine. Each month, Editor Tim Thornberry talks with farmers and others about issues facing the agriculture industry.

Listen and subscribe at kyfb.com/podcasts.

2025 Final Legislative Report

   Department of Revenue’s Application for Agriculture Sales Tax Exemption Number 

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.