Author: Vicki Shadrick
Planning Unit: Webster County CES
Major Program: Community Engagement
Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Agriculture plays a vital role in the economy of Webster County, Kentucky, contributing significantly to both local employment and economic output in the surrounding area. According to national statistics, Kentucky is one of the top agricultural producers in the U.S., with a strong emphasis on crops like tobacco, soybeans, and corn, along with livestock operations. According to Community and Economic Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK), 77% of land in Webster County is in farms. Poultry, our number one commodity, brings in $81,825,000 in sales annually, followed by grain crops which brings in $51,010,000. Cattle including calves brings is 6,407,000 annually. In Webster County, agriculture supports numerous jobs, not only in farming but also in related industries such as processing, transportation, and ag retail. The county's rich soil and favorable climate make it ideal for agricultural production, helping to sustain its rural economy and ensure food security.
The 2nd annual Webster County Farm City Agriculture Tour was held in July 2024. The program was planned, implemented and evaluated by the Webster County Extension Agriculture Advisory Council. The purpose of the tour is to build a connection between farmers/agriculture and our county and state elected officials, local businesses, school administrators, and citizens. Webster County is home to many state agriculture leaders. The driving tour was led by Webster County Sherriff. Lunch is prepared by the Webster County Cattlemen’s Association and donated by a local beef producer.
In 2024, the President of Kentucky Farm Bureau, the President of Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and the President of Kentucky Corn Growers all farm and reside in Webster County. This is a reflection of the strong agriculture roots in this county. Each of their farms were highlighted on the Webster County Farm City Tour. Over seventy-five people were in attendance which is twenty more than the previous year. We had state and local elected officials, school officials, farmers, homemakers and business owners attend. It is hard to place a value on the impact this program has, but it is having a positive impact on those that attend. In the words of one of the attendee’s “I’m so glad you do this! Cause it really shows us folks that don’t do anything around farming what it takes to do it; and, oh lordy the cost of those tractors.” As a result of attending the Webster County Farm City Tour, the Union County ANR agent planned their first Union County Farm City Tour.
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