Kentucky Department of Agriculture

?? Kentucky’s first All In For Ag Education Week is off to an incredible start! Commissioner Jonathan Shell, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, and Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher kicked off the week at Creekside Elementary in Sonora, KY, meeting with students and celebrating ag education. The excitement continued with visits to My Old Kentucky Home Middle School in Bardstown and LaRue County High School, where students are integrating agricultural skills into the classroom. We can't wait to see more hands-on, application-based learning in action throughout the week all across the state!

We're excited to see the impact of Ag Education Week firsthand as these resources are delivered to elementary schools across Kentucky! ?? A big thank you to the Franklin County FFA chapter for packing the materials and playing a key role in fostering a love for agriculture education among young students. We can't wait to see how these resources inspire the next generation of ag leaders in just two weeks!

Only ONE WEEK left to submit your entries for the 2025 Poster & Essay Contest! ????? K-12 students are invited to submit their poster drawings, a 500-word essay, or digital creations like photos or original artwork. This year's theme is "Kentucky Agriculture Makes Me Proud." Winners will receive cash prizes and have their work displayed in the Commissioner’s Office in Frankfort, at the 2025 Kentucky State Fair, and on the KDA website! All entries must be postmarked by Friday, March 7, 2025. For more details, visit https://lnkd.in/g6SyvzNR. We can't wait to see your creativity shine! ?

Black farmers are integral to Kentucky’s agricultural heritage. With approximately 600 Black-owned farming operations among the state’s 76,000 farms, they contribute significantly to the rich diversity of our farming community. This Black History Month, we honor their impact and dedication to agriculture. In the latest issue of the Ag News, learn more about David Miller, a third-generation cattle farmer from Lincoln County and a valued member of our agricultural community. Read the full article here:

???? Calling all Kentucky Artists! Kentucky’s Spay and Neuter specialty license plate is getting a new look. Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell invites local artists to submit designs that promote responsible pet ownership and help reduce pet overpopulation. All submissions are due by April 20, 2025 to [email protected]. The guidelines for designing a specialty license plate can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gm-5qh2R

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board has approved nearly $300,000 to support agricultural diversification and rural development across the Commonwealth! These funds will help farm families strengthen operations, increase energy efficiency, and expand opportunities in Kentucky agriculture. ? State & County Investments Include: ?? $53K for On-Farm Energy Efficiency in 6 counties ?? $176K for County Agricultural Incentive Programs in Floyd & Jessamine ?? $30K to support youth in agriculture in Casey County ?? $12.5K for Deceased Farm Animal Removal in Hardin County ?? $16.5K for shared-use equipment in Mercer County "The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board continues to be a good steward of the Tobacco Master Settlement money," said Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell. "The projects approved today will continue to strengthen the economic viability of Kentucky agriculture creating benefits for farm families and the state as a whole.”

Kentucky’s first All In for Ag Education Week is less than three weeks away. Elementary classrooms across the state will have access to ready-to-use lesson plans, hands-on activities, and guest speakers to bring agriculture to life for students. Elementary schools, be on the lookout for your Ag Education Week packet, which includes the book "It Takes a Team!" Thanks to Farm Credit Mid-America and Kentucky Pork Producers for sponsoring these books and helping integrate agriculture into classrooms statewide. For more information on available resources and opportunities, visit kyagr.com/AgEdWeek. #KYAgEdWeek2025

Bring agriculture education to life both in and out of the classroom through hands-on learning, career exploration, and community connections! ???? Join us for All In For Ag Education Week March 17-21, 2025, and bring agriculture to life for your students! Explore resources at kyagr.com/agedweek

We're thrilled to announce Kentucky’s first All In For Ag Education Week! In partnership with The Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Lt. Governor Coleman, and the Kentucky Department of Education, we're bringing free, classroom-ready resources for K-5 educators—including lesson plans, classroom guests, farm visits, and more! Join us March 17-21, 2025, and bring agriculture to life in your classroom. Stay tuned for updates and explore resources now at kyagr.com/agedweek!

Commissioner Jonathan Shell officially proclaimed February as Kentucky Lamb Month! This vital industry contributes over $7 million to Kentucky’s economy each year, with 75,000 sheep raised across the state. This month, we celebrate the farmers who contribute to this sector of the agriculture industry and our economy.