With 83.53% of the land in all four river counties used for crop production, agriculture holds a strong presence in these counties.  A one billion dollar impact and $359,967,000 worth of products sold across 960 farms- WAVE AG Day highlights agriculture in Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman County. 

The 4th year for the event, River Counties WAVE AG Day, was held in Fulton County at the Riverfront in Hickman City on July 22nd from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm.  The theme “Let’s Grow With It” was once again the theme for the year. 

The WAVE Ag Day is a joint venture including all four county judge executives, the UKY Ag agents in each county, Ag businesses, the county farm bureaus, the Ballard Chamber of Commerce, River Valley Ag Credit, Murray State University, and Ballard school officials.  Numerous planning meetings were held throughout the year.  Sponsors were obtained to help fund the Ag Day. The platinum sponsors presented five awards: Farmer of the Year, Ag Business of the Year, the Friend of Agriculture Award, Young Farmer award and the Legacy.  This year there was a new award given to the outstanding FFA member in the four River Counties. 

 The day started off with a breakfast in honor and appreciation of farmers, producers and Ag businesses in the four river counties.  With an attendance of over 350 people the group listened to keynotes by Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, about strong agricultural and economic development chances for the counties.  On hand were other legislators and the county judge executives.

Following the breakfast and awards program people could attend booths set up to tell agriculture’s real story.  Over forty exhibits and vendors were set up for the public to visit and view.  The Kentucky Ag Mobile Classroom was set up as well as Dale Dobson with a tractor roll over demonstration.  There was food, fun, and things to do all involving agriculture and how we can grow with it. Even though it was extremely hot those surveyed agreed agriculture plays a big part in our counties.  They also mentioned they would like to see some shift in time.  Everyone is looking forward to the event next year.  The Ag Day has rotated to all four counties now.  “Let’s Grow With It.”     

Fulton County Judge-Executive, Jim Martin welcomes the group to Fulton County.

Local producers, community members, and local leaders were able to talk with local businesses before the presentations along with enjoying breakfast sandwiches provided by one of the sponsors.