Regional

FRANKFORT — A global brand manager for a Kentucky-based multinational corporation is the new executive director of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s marketing office.
Melanie Blandford of Nicholasville assumed her new post today. As the KDA’s executive director of marketing, Blandford will be responsible for Kentucky Proud, the official state farm marketing program.

By John W. McCauley
Access to reliable credit has been an important issue for farmers and ranchers long before President Woodrow Wilson signed into law the Federal Farm Loan Act back in 1916. In fact, even a century later, with all of the financial options available today, one of the biggest challenges to entering agriculture - or even growing an existing farming or ranching operation - still can be the cost of land and equipment.

By John W. McCauley
USDA Farm Service Agency   State Executive Director
In agriculture, opportunity is often created from overcoming challenges. So when I hear people say “work for the best and prepare for the worst,” it is the American farmers and ranchers who come to mind because they characterize the optimism and resilience of the very concept, especially when it comes to overcoming severe weather.

Louisville, KY – Kentucky Farm Bureau joined the Agriculture Council of America and farming organizations across the country to celebrate National Agriculture Day on Tuesday, March 15. This day has been set aside annually since 1973 to highlight the many ways America’s food system improves the quality of life for everyone.
“Farmers contribute so much to our nation’s prosperity, independence, security and overall well-being that it just makes sense to designate a day celebrating their accomplishments,” said KFB President Mark Haney.