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As we begin a new year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those members who attended our Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) Annual Meeting last month. This annual gathering is one of the most important things we do as an organization.

It is a time to adopt policy and priority issues, to hear from local and national agriculture leaders, and to spend valuable time with each other as we work to move KFB and the ag industry forward.

This meeting also allows us to honor those who have won various farm leadership awards during 2024 and to hear from our youth in various events, including the Outstanding Farm Bureau Youth and Discussion Meet competitions.

For me, I compare this meeting to a family reunion. I often use the phrase, “Farm Bureau family,” but that is what makes KFB so strong in our advocacy efforts.

Since the very first Farm Bureau meeting I attended more than 40 years ago, it has always felt as though each gathering, no matter what part of the state in which it occurs, is a bringing together of family members to conduct the business of this organization.

And like any family, we don’t always agree on everything. However, we always respect our grassroots heritage and the ability to work together to come up with the right decisions to benefit farm families throughout Kentucky and an industry we all depend on.

With our priorities in place, we are poised to move forward into 2025. One of the most important efforts we will make this year is to keep our farmland in production. The Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative was set in motion to address the loss of Kentucky farmland and decline in Kentucky farmers.

As we continue to look for ways to keep farms in production, we must understand that we simply cannot afford to lose production farmland and farm families at the rates we have seen through the last few ag censuses.

We also need to address the growing ag trade deficit by supporting efforts to find new markets or expand existing ones for our agricultural products. No matter the size of our farms, export markets are critical to the success of every farming operation.

In addition to new customers outside of the U.S., we must also explore new ways to use our crops for domestic purposes, including the use of agricultural feedstocks from this country for sustainable aviation fuel initiatives. 

The main thing that will help us face these ? and most any other issue associated with agriculture ? is passage of a new farm bill.

Another extension came at the end of 2024, and we must emphasize to our lawmakers that kicking the can down the road only leaves farm families in limbo as we try to plan for next year’s crops.

Having had conversations about these and other challenges with other members during our annual meeting, there is no doubt we will face these issues head on and do all we can to find solutions. It’s what we do at KFB. As we look to the future, I want to thank all of you for your support over the last year and for entrusting our leadership team for another year. Let’s work together to make 2025 the best it can be on and off the farm.

It may surprise those who call Derby City home, but one of the oldest, consistently operated farms in this region rests at the corner of two major highways, with considerable urban development all around its borders.

The Oxmoor Farm dates back to the late 1700s and has a storied history that has shaped the very founding of this state and had immense influence on one of its signature industries.

“Originally, the farm was a military land grant to a man named John Ware,” Oxmoor Farm Foundation Curator Shirley Harmon said. “He was granted this land in 1780 for his service during the French and Indian War as well as the Revolutionary War. Mr. Ware never came here and ended up splitting the 2,000-acre track into two 1,000-acre tracks and sold them off.”

Harmon added that the further west track was sold to Richard Terrell, who lived in the area but did not settle this property. He quickly sells it to a man named Benjamin Sebastian who does the same thing.

The name Oxmoor, while synonymous with the immediate area known by residents today, was not a family name, according to Harmon.

“Terrell or Sebastian likely named the farm and we know it comes from a very popular book at that time called ‘The Life in Times of Tristram Shandy’ by Lauren Stern,” she said. “It was listed as the Oxmoor land in the deed of 1787.”

In January of that year, Sebastian sold the farm to Alexander Scott Bullitt who began to farm this land that is still in production today.

“Bullitt would farm the land, build his home, and five generations of his descendants would live here so, for all intents and purposes, this has been the Bullitt family farm since the 1780s, even though it was owned by other people prior to that,” Harmon said.

One must consider the hardships faced by early settlers in the Kentucky wilderness to gain a full appreciation of how the farm began, how it has been sustainable for the many generations who lived and worked there, and the historical value it brings to the commonwealth.  

Harmon said the first task in getting the land suitable for farming was to clear the timber that covered its landscape something Alexander Scott Bullitt did with an enslaved man from Virginia named Bill.

Coming from Virginia, Bullitt thought tobacco would be the main crop on the farm but found that the soil in this particular area wasn’t suited for the crop.

“By 1793, we know Alexander Scott Bullitt had sown two acres of hemp, which yielded him 1,200 pounds of flax, and in the next few years more and more acreage was given over to hemp until the early 1800s,” Harmon said. “And hemp became the main crop here at Oxmoor.”

There has been an extensive amount of information about the farm compiled for generations by family members and others, all of which provide a rich, detailed history of the farm.

“Fortunately, because the family stayed in one place, all the documents stayed together, so we have a good continuum of history here documenting life at Oxmoor from the 1780s all the way to the early 2000s,” Harmon said. “I have been involved with Oxmoor since 1999 when I was hired to catalog the Bullitt family papers that are held at the Filson Historical Society.  It was quite an undertaking to process and catalog 185 cubic feet of materials that included letters, diaries, deeds, receipts, etc. that documented life at Oxmoor.” 

But, as the farm’s history will denote, one constant has remained throughout the years: it’s always been a working farm.

“People are still surprised to find out that Oxmoor Farm is here,” she said. “That really surprises everybody and when they come back and see the house, saying, ‘Wow, I never knew this was back here.’ And we tell them it is still actually farmed. This is the oldest continually working farm in Jefferson County and there has been farming on this land since the 1780s.”

But there is so much more to Oxmoor than just the agricultural heritage. There are many connections to historical figures including Patrick Henry.

In 1785, a man named William Christian built a two-story log cabin near what are now the main dwellings of Oxmoor Farm. For his military service, he had been given 9,000 acres of land all across Kentucky, of which 2,000 was located in the Jefferson County area.

“It becomes clear that most of Kentucky is being settled by former Virginia soldiers during these early years,” Harmon said. “Christian came to oversee the land and brought with him his wife Annie, and their five children. Their oldest daughter Priscilla met Alexander Scott Bullitt at where that cabin is today. And they married within a few months.”

Annie is the younger sister of Patrick Henry, who was the first sitting governor of Virginia after the Revolutionary War.  During this time, Kentucky is still a part of Virginia. 

“William Christian, Henry’s brother-in-law, arrives here in Kentucky in August of 1785 with a lot of influence behind him and it is accepted amongst everyone in Kentucky that he will be the first governor of Kentucky,” Harmon said.

That, however, was not the case after Christian was killed by Native Americans. Christian's son-in-law, Bullitt then steps into a leading role. And when they start talking about separating from Virginia, he is among the 12 senators for the State of Kentucky. He became the Speaker of the State Senate and then he was asked to draft the first constitution alongside George Nicholas, and then Bullitt became Kentucky’s first Lt. Governor when that office was created in 1800.

It was during this period when the groundwork for statehood was conceived and written at Oxmoor. Harmon emphasizes that the farm’s roots reach out in so many directions having a great impact on this state as well as other nationally known endeavors, including the bourbon industry.

William Marshall Bullitt, the great grandson of Alexander Scott Bullitt helped the soon-to-be President William Howard Taft draft what would become the Taft Decision which established requirements for branding whiskey products.

“William Marshall Bullitt was a lawyer and the only one to successfully argue against prohibition in front of the Supreme Court," Harmon said. “In 1919, he walked in and said, ‘I'm here to represent 10 million gallons of fine Kentucky bourbon.’ He loses, prohibition goes into effect, but before it does, he bottled some of that premium bourbon.”

It would be discovered that Oxmoor Farm had its own bourbon and is now bringing that brand back to life.

As time moved on and more of the area was developed, it was still important to the Bullitt family to preserve the farm. Thomas Walker Bullitt, the son of William Marshall Bullitt and great-great-grandson of Alexander Scott Bullitt granted 79 acres of the land, which included the house and all the outbuildings to the Kentucky Heritage Council to be maintained as a preservation easement ensuring the perpetuity of Oxmoor.

Over the years, some of the farm has been developed, but very little of it has been sold. The part of the farm where several businesses reside including the Oxmoor Mall, operates on a land lease. 

Jim Couch, President of Beargrass Realty, which manages Oxmoor Farm said a trust maintains the historic areas and oversees the running of it.,

“I don't think there's ever been any stipulation that some of the land had to be farmed, that's just how it's always been done,” he said. “But Tommy Bullitt, when he was alive, never wanted to sell any acreage. He was always willing to lease it out for long-term leases. That's one of the reasons Oxmoor Shopping Center was developed, as well as other businesses have been developed on leased grounds. But very, very few grounds have been sold off.”

Couch noted that local farmer Joe Bischoff currently raises crops on the farm and has a succession plan in place working with a young farmer to continue the tradition set forth so many generations ago. Bischoff has raised crops there since 2007. Those crops, between 2007 and 2024, have included corn, soybeans, and wheat.

Tours are now offered of a portion of the farm that include the historic house,13 outbuildings comprised of a smokehouse, summer kitchen, icehouse, spring house, hemp barn, and four former slave dwellings.

Harmon said she feels as though she has come to know the people who have called Oxmoor home as she has researched the many historical documents that have been preserved over the years.

“What is so unique about Oxmoor as a historic site is the intact documented history that tells the story of all who lived there,” she said.  Today the site interprets the story of a Kentucky farm that has transformed along with the state from its colonial beginning to present day.”

Harmon added that while the past does come to life at Oxmoor, it is a past that speaks not only to the present but also looks forward to the future and what role it will play in the Louisville community.

To learn more about the Oxmoor Farm, visit the website: https://oxmoorfarm.org/

Last April, Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) launched a new program to address the steady decline in the number of farms in this state and a decrease in farmed acreage that has taken place over the last several years.

The Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative (KFTI) is designed to help determine ways to assist farmers transition acreage to new generations of farmers, connect assistance providers during that process, and develop policy that will help keep production agriculture at the forefront of farmland transition.

During the 2024 KFB Annual Meeting, a panel discussion comprised of various experts from attorneys to financial planners discussed the current situation facing agriculture and farm families and possible ways to make farmland transition a reality.

Those panelists included Aleta Botts, KFTI Project Coordinator; attorneys Bobby Foree and Lora Lee Robey; University of Kentucky Extension Professor Dr. Steve Isaacs; and Josh Wilson, Estate Planner, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company.

Botts opened the discussion with some alarming statistics saying over the last 20 years, 1.4 million acres of farmland have been lost in Kentucky along with a decline of 17,000 farmers.

“If we continue at that rate, we lose half of our farmers in the next sixty years,” she said. “That has a drastic impact on our farm families, our rural communities and on the state as a whole, to say nothing of the impact on our food system.”

Botts added that one of the most important things in these efforts is to inform people of the resources available to assist in farmland transition.

Issacs said one of the first things to do when a family discusses transition planning is to communicate.

“Talk to each other and find out what the needs and wishes of each other are,” he said. “If (a family) is transitioning between generations, find out if that’s what the next generation really wants. Where it is considered an opportunity or obligation is something that needs to be considered.”

Roby said the first thing she would advise is to identify one’s estate planning and farm succession goals.

“Number two is to start having those hard conversations and communicating with family members who are vital to your operations, “she said. “And third, I would say start organizing your team. You’ll need an attorney, a banker, an accountant, and that’s just your starting point. Estate planning and farm succession doesn’t happen with just one person.”

Foree emphasized that in some instances having conversations about transitioning the farm can be tough.

“Nobody wants to talk about death and the children don’t want to talk to the parents and the parents, often times don’t want to talk to their kids about it,” he said. “And often there are expectations that a grandparent or parent may want a son or someone else to take over and that person may not want to take over, so you have to communicate all of this.”

All the panelists agreed that often when splitting up the farm and assets, fair is not always equal when it comes to dealing with multiple children or family members, especially when one or more family members have been working on the farm.

Wilson said a lot of people tend to stall when it comes to completing the conversations and plans for succession.

“Something that I have seen a lot of is when people say they need to go back home and talk about it because taking over a farm is a big responsibility,” he said. “Sometimes a son may not always want to do what his mom wants to do, or a mom may not want to do what her daughters want to do and that’s when they stall the process.”

Wilson added that farmers are good stewards of their land and part of those efforts includes transitioning it to the next generation.

But the panel noted that there is more to a farm transition than just passing the torch of farming itself.

“There are [multiple] torches, and it is not just the one thing but lots of the management of the farm that needs to be done,” he said. “Too often the older generations are reluctant to give that up and the younger generation is reluctant to grab it. This includes working with the banker or the lender and knowing where the financials are.”

Panelists also answered questions from the audience, questions ranging in subject matters from calculation of accurate land values to communications resources.

Botts concluded the meeting saying the most important take-away from the discussion is that there are many resources available to provide information about farmland transition.

“There are a lot of reasons why we’re losing farmland and one of the big (issues) that we really want to own is what our responsibility is as farmers to really help that land stay in farming,” she said. “That’s what we really want to focus on.”

Following the panel discussion, attendees had an opportunity to talk one-on-one with the panelists about their particular situations and receive additional resources. Questions that were raised during the panel discussion are going to be featured in an ongoing special question and answer feature on the KFTI website. To sign up for updates when these are posted or to learn more about KFTI go to https://www.kyfarmlandtransition.com/.

One of the purposes of the Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) Annual Meeting is to help provide a variety of farm-related information to its attending members. This year farmland transition and the farm economy took center stage in those informational sessions.

KFB President Eddie Melton said as the ag economy continues to be volatile, it’s important to keep members updated on specific issues.

"We had an array of agricultural economic experts at our recent annual meeting who brought valuable information to our attending members," he said. "It is essential to keep up on the issues affecting our farm families at a time when the ag economy is facing many challenges."

UK Ag Outlook

Once again University of Kentucky?Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment?(UKMGCAFE) economists gave their annual ag-outlook forecast.

According to information from UKMGCAFE, “While 2024 provided a mixed bag of economic factors resulting in a projected slight 3.3% increase in cash receipts nearing a $8.3 billion record, Kentucky farmers face a multitude of challenges heading into 2025.”

The economists noted that 2025 will be a critical year for agriculture, following a couple of years of falling incomes, tightening finances, and geopolitical uncertainties.

“While Kentucky crop receipts are forecast to fall by nearly 13 percent in 2024, we are projecting that Kentucky livestock receipts will increase by around 17 percent this year on the heels of strong cattle prices and continued growth in our poultry and equine markets,” UKMGCAFE Agricultural Economics?professor?Will Snell said. “Consequently, our estimate of Kentucky ag cash receipts for 2024 may challenge the record high level of $8.3 billion recorded in 2022.” 

Official totals for 2024 receipts will be released by USDA next September and while cash receipts remain strong, it’s a different story for net farm income.

“Even with anticipated higher cash receipts, net farm income for Kentucky farmers will likely follow national downward trends in response to high input costs and limited government payments,” Snell said.

The Farm Bureau Perspective

Those downward trends were reflected in the USDA’s December 2024 farm income forecast. According to information included in an American Farm Bureau Federation’s Market Inter report, that forecast, “confirms just how tough a year it’s been for American agriculture, with slightly revised projections offering little relief to farmers, who are losing nearly a quarter of their income in two years.”

The AFBF report also noted that net farm income is now projected at $140.7 billion for 2024, down

$6 billion (4.1%) from 2023 and $41.2 billion (22.6%) from the $181.9 billion peak in 2022.

While the roller coaster ride continues from a net farm income perspective, agricultural trade brings its own set of challenges. KFB’s Commodity Marketing Specialist Taylor Thompson presented a breakout session, “Global Shifts in Ag Trade and Implications for Kentucky Farmers,” focusing on the agricultural trade issues that are currently plaguing the ag industry.

Breakout Session Specifics

Thompson said the session included three key points that relate to the current state of ag trade in this country and throughout the world.

“The first point dealt with the U.S.-China-Brazil dynamic from the ag side, then we talked about the different nations’ economies and supply chains, and then, the discussion about sustainable aviation fuel,” he said.

Thompson noted that for a long period, China has been a "go-to" market for American agriculture, but he feels the tide is changing especially in light of the number of exports coming from Brazil not only to China but their efforts to accommodate other international markets.

“What Brazil is looking to do in the coming decade is to become more efficient, lower their transportation costs, incentivized, and increase production on the row crop side,” he said. “And that has implications for beef cattle production, as well, from the pasture side. But, in terms of agricultural trade, it's helpful to start thinking about the role of Mexico and Canada now from the North American side. We still send a lot of products to China. However, Mexico is, for us, starting to move into that position of our dominant trade partner in many ways.”

What about tariffs?

In discussing export markets, Thompson said the topic of possible tariffs that could come with the new administration was also discussed during the session.

“During the session, I wanted to focus not only on the significance of trade, but what are some of the risk factors out there specifically around tariffs for growers into 2025," he said. "So, we had a tariff-specific talk, but it should be noted that we still have some tariffs on the books from China dating back to the 2018 trade war and some waivers that are in place. However, we won’t know of anything in terms of brand new until we see the new administration take office.”

Thompson pointed out that just because tariffs are mentioned, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to happen.

“It could be used as a negotiation tool and if you stick a tariff on for two weeks, well that's a lot different than if you've got a tariff that's active for two years,” he said. “The long-term implications versus some of the short-term negotiation tactics is what really people are trying to balance.”

Other nations’ economies

Thompson pointed out several interesting factors about the ag economy that currently exist on a world stage but one of note is getting a newer generation involved.

"I recently read an article in a national business publication that discussed the ag situation in Brazil and how young people there were very interested in their agricultural industry; for them, it was the thing to get into," he said. "But different economies are operating in different ways throughout the world and we have to keep in mind, especially for our young people, that American ag, as a whole, continues to be the best, providing the best quality and best products in the world."     

Thompson added that because there is a relatively high barrier of entry for young people to get into ag production, we have to emphasize to them that it’s absolutely a worthwhile pursuit.

“I think it's one of opportunity certainly, but a recognition that you've got to be a good entrepreneur and you’ve got to understand the industry that you work in and the consumers that you serve,” he said. “For agriculture producers, it’s how can we best understand our consumers, and meet their needs.”

More ag diversification opportunities

Diversification has long been a part of that strategy in Kentucky with more discussions centered around finding more domestic uses to help offset a decline in ag exports.

Thompson said that with American farmers being such good crop producers, there needs to be more trade partners to send U.S. ag products to other places. But from the domestic standpoint, there are opportunities, as well.

“We’ve seen how ethanol has become a normal part of the automobile fuel industry over the years and now we are seeing a focus on what role agriculture can play with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF),” he said. “There's no question that there are airlines and ethanol facilities that are absolutely interested in this, and I think in many ways want to make it happen, right, given the potential that's there.”

Thompson added that the key question now is how we line up all the hurdles and everything that needs to get done to make this a reality.

“Whether it's from the tax credit side or the regulation side of things, there are still some unknowns out there and still some things that need to be done,” he said. “But from the industry perspective, you're not only seeing the talk, but you're seeing the walk from some of these major players in this space.”

As a proud Kentuckian and lifelong advocate for agriculture, I am privileged to wear many hats in both my personal and professional life. My name is Ruth Ann Fink, and I serve as the Development Officer for the Kentucky FFA Foundation, a role that allows me to open opportunities for FFA members across the Commonwealth without financial burden. 

I was raised on an Angus cattle operation, where I learned the value of hard work, the importance of stewardship, and the deep connection between the land and our communities.

Today, my husband, Stefan, and I carry those lessons forward on his generational family farm where we have a diversified operation. We primarily raise club lambs, but supplement with feeder steers and high- tunnel- grown heirloom tomatoes for local markets in the off-seasons.

Beyond the farm, I am an alumna of the University of Kentucky, where I earned my degree in Agricultural Education. As a former agriculture teacher, I spent four-and-a-half years in the classroom, helping students find their place in the world of agriculture. I also proudly serve as the advisor for my alma mater sorority, Tri Delta, where I mentor young women navigating their collegiate years and beyond. These roles, along with my experience as a past National FFA Officer, have shaped my understanding of leadership and the power of community.

One opportunity that has significantly enriched my perspective is participating in the Kentucky Farm Bureau Discussion Meet. This unique contest challenges participants to engage in thoughtful discussions on critical agricultural issues, fostering problem-solving and collaboration—skills that are essential in today’s complex agricultural landscape.

The value of the Discussion Meet goes beyond the competition itself. It provides a platform for young farmers and agriculturalists to sharpen their communication skills, deepen their understanding of policy and industry challenges, and learn to articulate solutions in a collaborative manner. For me, the contest has been an opportunity to refine my ability to think critically and to listen with intent—skills that are vital in my work with the Kentucky FFA Foundation and on our farm.

Through the Discussion Meet, I have gained a richer understanding of the many perspectives that shape agriculture. Engaging with fellow participants has broadened my horizons, reminding me that the strength of our industry lies in its diversity of thought and experience. The contest has also underscored the importance of staying informed about the evolving challenges and opportunities in agriculture, from sustainability practices to market access and rural development.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue learning from the dynamic conversations the Discussion Meet fosters. Agriculture is an industry of constant change, and by staying engaged in discussions like these, we can better equip ourselves to navigate the future. Whether on the farm, in the classroom, or in leadership roles, the lessons I've learned through personal experience and this contest inspired me to keep advocating for agriculture and the people who make it thrive.

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. 

Historically, the coldest day of the year for the Bluegrass State falls in mid- to late January, so that means the days of icy windshields and frost-covered lawns won't be over for quite some time.     

Remember that harsh winter weather can also take a toll on your home, most infamously in the form of frozen pipes. One of the unique properties of water is that it expands as it freezes. This expansion applies pressure to whatever is containing it – in this case, a home’s pipes – sometimes to the point of rupture.       

Frozen water can wreak havoc on metal or plastic pipes, no matter their strength. Pipes that are most susceptible to freezing are those exposed to severe cold… like outdoor hose hookups, swimming pool supply lines and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.   

According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), a 1/8th inch crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water a day! Water damage and freezing account for almost 22 percent of all homeowners’ insurance claims, averaging $4,024 per claim, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).   

Luckily, there are several things you can do to ensure your home stays cozy and dry this winter season.    

In exceptionally cold weather, IBHS recommends you take preventative action:   

• Turn the thermostat to a minimum of 55 degrees, even if the house is unoccupied. While this preventative measure may rack up a higher heating bill in uninhabited homes, it will greatly reduce the chances of a costly repair job.    
• If the home is going to be vacant for an extended period of time, turn off and drain the water supply prior to leaving.
• Turn the hot and cold water taps to a trickle. Water slowly moving throughout the pipes may help keep them from freezing.
• Leave kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.     
• Ensure exposed pipes in the attic and crawl spaces are protected by insulation. Inexpensive foam sleeves are a great, cost-effective way to insulate exposed pipes and are available at most home improvement and hardware stores.   
• Make sure that garden hoses are disconnected and drained before the first hard freeze of the season. If water in a hose freezes and expands, it can increase pressure throughout the whole plumbing system and, in turn, burst an interior pipe. Additionally, outdoor spigot covers, like foam domes, provide a protective layer from frigid outdoor air.    

If you notice that pipes are frozen, move quickly!

• Turn on both hot and cold taps.
• Find the problem area. A line coated in frost or bulging like a just-fed snake is usually a good indicator.
• Once the frozen segment is identified, shut off the water supply to that area.
• Apply heat to the frozen area using towels soaked in hot water, a blow-dryer or an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe. DO NOT use a kerosene or propane heater or any type of open-flame device!
• If you cannot identify the frozen area or if the area is inaccessible, immediately call a licensed professional.
• To be safe, have a professional inspect the pipes for damage and cracks following a hard freeze.     

>> At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your home as you are. We 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.

Check out the video below and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Tools and Resources.

While electronic portable space heaters are an affordable and convenient way to melt away the chill of Kentucky’s winter, they also can pose a great risk of fire and electrical shock if used improperly.

Did you know that heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires behind cooking, according to the National Fire Protection Association? Understandably so, winter is peak season for such risk. Half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February. 

It’s tempting to crank up that space heater for some extra bedroom warmth or to de-ice your cold toes at the office, but take these precautions before turning that dial to the maximum setting.

• When shopping for a space heater, look for the approval of a nationally-recognized testing laboratory on the box or label, such as the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL).
• Choose a space heater with an automatic shut-off that turns the device off if it tips over.
• Read the manual before using. Space heaters aren’t simply “plug and go,” and studying up on your new device could save you from a house fire or electrical shock.   
• If possible, plug the heater straight into an outlet. Extension cords and power strips pose an overheating risk. If an extension cord must be used, consult the owner’s manual on which size and rating is appropriate for your specific heater.
• Place the object on a flat, sturdy surface. Do not place it on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet.       
• Think of the three-feet surrounding the heater as off limits. Keep kids, pets, and anything else that can burn (such as paper, bedding, or furniture) at least three feet away.   
• Supervise children and pets around the heater. Use a sturdy, metal screen to prevent contact burns, which are even more common than open flame burns.
• Always turn heaters off before going to bed or leaving the room.     
• Unplug the device when not in use.       
   

>> At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your home as you are. We 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.

Winter weather in Kentucky can be unpredictable. It might be in the 50s one day and in the 20s the next. While we can’t control the effects of Mother Nature, we can help you stay safe and warm when chilly weather inevitably blows through. The following tips may help you reduce energy consumption and even reduce your home heating costs.   

1.  Lower the temperature: Grab a blanket and bundle up! Keeping your thermostat just a few degrees cooler during the winter could lower your energy bill. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat down 7°–10°F for 8 hours a day in fall and winter.
    
2. Consider a smart thermostat: While you don’t need a smart (or programmable) thermostat to make cost-saving changes, having one does help maximize efficiency. With a smart thermostat, you can establish a schedule that automatically adjusts to energy-saving temperatures when you are asleep or away, control your home’s temperature remotely through your smartphone or tablet, and track and manage your energy usage by logging data.
    
3. Isolate your energy: If you’re primarily hanging out in one room, consider a space heater, which is an effective, efficient way to keep you comfortable without wasting energy on the entire house. That said, be mindful that space heaters can pose a great risk of fire and electrical shock if used improperly. Click here for a Life’s Blueprints blog regarding the safe use of electronic space heaters.      
    
4. Run your ceiling fans clockwise: Set ceiling fans to run clockwise on low speed in the winter to circulate heat more efficiently. This creates an updraft that helps move warm air near the ceiling back out and around the room. 
    
5. Maintain your HVAC: If your HVAC system is not properly maintained, it will have to work harder to heat and cool your home. A simple way to keep your HVAC operating efficiently is to stay on top of filter changes. Depending on the type of filter you buy, you will need to change it at least once every three months (or more often, depending on variables such as pets, family size, and other conditions).
   
   According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, it’s also important to have a certified HVAC or furnace technician service your unit at least once a year. They will ensure that your system is clog-free and geared up for optimal performance.   
    
6. Use curtains and blinds to your advantage: During the day, open curtains and blinds to allow warm sun to infiltrate your home and naturally heat it. On the flipside, make sure to close your curtains and blinds when the sun goes down to prevent cold chills from sneaking in. Consider purchasing insulated curtains to maximize the energy efficiency of your windows. Safety tip: Make sure that blinds or curtains are not blocking any warm air registers!
    
7. Seal, plug, or insulate: ENERGY STAR® estimates that if you added up all the leaks, holes, and gaps in a typical home, it would be the equivalent of having a window open every day of the year! That’s a lot of energy and utility costs going, well… right out the window!
   
   The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by sealing their home. An easy, DIY fix is to inspect windows and doors for any obvious leaks or drafts, and seal those with weather stripping or caulking. The attic is one of the largest opportunities to save energy at home, so a bigger job to tackle might include sealing leaks and adding insulation in your attic. Click here for easy-to-digest information regarding attic air sealing and attic insulation.    

These 7 quick and easy tips are not comprehensive, but they may help shoulder the blow of cold winter weather. Happy heating, Kentucky!

At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your home sweet 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.

Lucky for Kentuckians, salt helps keep our roadways drivable even when Old Man Winter has other plans. According to Wheeler Nevels, Roadway Preservation Manager with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Bluegrass state annually spreads about 500 million pounds of salt on 63,000 lane miles of Kentucky roadways. That’s more than 100 pounds per Kentuckian!  

On a national level, The Smithsonian Institution reports that more than 22 million tons of salt are scattered on U.S. roads annually.   

While salt is good for removing ice from the roads, it can be very bad for the cars on those roads. That magical substance used for de-icing can also de-paint your car. Saline streets can wreak havoc on the undercarriage and body of a vehicle, eating away at paint, causing rust and opening the door to more serious issues. Due to their proximity to the undercarriage, two crucial areas especially vulnerable to corrosion and rust are the brake and fuel lines.    

Once the sun comes out and melts the snow, it’s a great time to give your car some attention and wash off all that roadway gunk and grime.   

Here are some tips to show your car the love all season long and ensure its wellbeing come spring:   

• Get regular car washes! Spray your car down at least once a week in snowy conditions, and visit a car wash that targets the undercarriage at least once a month and after winter storms. It may help to view this expense as required vehicle maintenance, as it could save you money on costly damages later.
• If your car exceeds 8 years old, it’s going to need some extra TLC. Several years of exposure to winter road salts can take its toll. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicle models made in 2007 and earlier are especially susceptible to brake pipe corrosion due to salt exposure. Have a mechanic regularly inspect for corrosion, and take notice of how your brake pedal feels in cold weather. Any changes could indicate a leak in the brake pipes.        
• Use a synthetic wax to provide a protective barrier from harsh salt.    
• Once spring arrives, thoroughly detail the exterior so that salt doesn’t sit on the surface.
• Prep for winter weather early next season, and make sure to pay special attention to any chips or scrapes in the paint, as those areas will be more susceptible to rust.

>> 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.

This season, ice, sleet, and snow all have the potential to negatively impact Kentucky drivers. In fact, according to the National Weather Service, there are more than 1,000 deaths and 100,000 injuries in the U.S. each year related to vehicle crashes during winter weather. If you must go out on the roads in freezing conditions, a little preparation can go a long way. Keep in mind the following tips for smooth travels during chilly Kentucky weather:

1. Stock your car with an ice scraper or snow brush ahead of any impending winter weather. Visibility is imperative to safe travels, and there’s nothing worse than getting hit with an ice or snow storm and not having the proper tools to clean your vehicle off.
2. Be prepared for an emergency. Pack a winter car kit that includes essentials like battery booster cables, a flashlight, blankets, water/food, first-aid items, roadside flares/reflectors, and a cellphone charger. Keeping sand or kitty litter on hand may help you out of a tight spot – both can be used to gain traction if your car is stuck in ice or snow.
3. Swap your summer wiper fluid for one that contains de-icer, which will cut through ice, frost, and salt, making it the perfect solution to take care of that winter gunk and grime on your windshield without freezing up.
4. Keep your gas tank at least half full. In the event of a traffic jam or other emergency, this could save you from a rather chilly wait. In addition, it will help keep your gas lines from freezing and causing damage to your vehicle’s engine.   
5. Ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch). Correct tire inflation is essential to safe driving, but cold weather can cause your tire pressure to fluctuate. To find the optimal PSI for front and rear tires, check in the driver’s side doorjamb, glove compartment, or the owner’s manual. Note that front and rear tire numbers may differ. If you’re having trouble finding this number, consult your dealer, manufacturer, or a tire professional.
6. Avoid the temptation to warm up your car while it’s unattended. In fact, it’s illegal to do so in Kentucky (unless you have a keyless starter system). Cold weather is also prime time for “warm-up theft,” leaving tens of thousands of people nationwide the victim of vehicle theft every year.
7. Plan ahead and know your route. Accelerating, stopping, and turning all take longer on snowy or icy roads. Allow extra time to arrive at your destination so that you can drive slowly. Be especially alert to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes, which could increase the risk of a collision on slippery roads.

With proper preparation, drivers can remove some of the dread that comes with winter travel. Remember to exercise extra caution in sleet, ice, or snow so that you can arrive safely at your destination!

>> 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.

ELIGIBILITY
The Kentucky Farm Bureau Education Foundation will award county and state college scholarships to high school seniors for the current school year.  Scholarships may be applied to tuition, housing, books, and other educational expenses.  Payments will be made directly to the college, university, or proprietary school of your choice.

To be eligible, applicant must:

• Be the child of a Kentucky Farm Bureau member and remain such while the scholarship is in force
• Finish high school within the year they apply for the scholarship
• For the Leadership in Agriculture Scholarship, applicant's parents must be actively engaged in production ag

Those not eligible are the children of:

• Kentucky Farm Bureau Claims Personnel
• Kentucky Farm Bureau State Board Directors
• Kentucky Farm Bureau State & District Employees
• Kentucky Farm Bureau State Women's Advisory Committee Members

Please note: Children of Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance Agency Managers, Agents, Agency Secretaries and CSRs are only eligible for the Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance Agents Association Scholarship and should utilize this application to apply for the scholarship.

RULES

• Recipient may enter any accredited college or trade school
• Recipient must enter college as a beginning freshman no later than the fall semester following high school graduation, unless a circumstance beyond the student's control, such as serious illness or injury, prevents enrollment at that time.  In such a case, recipient must enter college by the spring semester of the following year.
• Dropping out of school, except for serious illness or injury, shall cause the recipient to lose the scholarship.  
• Winner must be a full-time student each semester unless an exception is requested in writing and approved.
• Winner is required to annually furnish a transcript before additional monies are sent to the college.
• Student must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 after each semester or forfeit the award.  (Only beginning freshmen will be given a second chance to improve their overall GPA.)
• All application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) ON FEBRUARY 28, 2025
• The scholarship committee will make the final determination on all cases concerning the interpretation of these rules.  All applications become the property of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Education Foundation and will not be returned.

KFB 2025 SCHOLARSHIP DESCRIPTIONS

SCHOLARSHIP CHECKLIST

START THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Ford Motor Company is pleased to offer Farm Bureau members a $500 Exclusive Cash Reward on the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2024/2025/2026 Ford Maverick®, Ranger®, F-150®, Super Duty® or F-150® Lightning®. Visit fordrecognizesu.com/farmbureau today for offer details.

Farm Bureau Exclusive Cash Reward is exclusively for active Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. $500 Exclusive Cash Reward on the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2024/2025/2026 Ford Maverick®, Ranger®, F-150®, Super Duty®, or F-150® Lightning®. This incentive is not available on Ranger®, F-150 Raptor®, F-650 and F-750 Super Duty®. In 2025, this offer may be used in conjunction with Ford Motor Company AXZD-Plans. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply (PGM# 32524). Must be a Farm Bureau member for 30 consecutive days prior to purchase or lease. Place a new retail order or take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by January 5, 2026. Offer subject to dealer participation. Due to high demand and global supply chain constraints, some models, trims, and features may not be available or may be subject to change. Check with your local dealer for current information. Go to FordRecognizesU.com, for complete details and eligibility (PGM# 32524). Offer subject to confirmation of eligibility. 

January 2, 2025 - Legislative Report No. 1 - 2025 Kentucky General Assembly