The face of Kentucky is changing. In the last 20 years the state has lost 17,000 farms and 1.4 million acres of farmland. The population of Madison County, Kentucky in 2022 was 95,187, 14% up from the 83,471 who lived there in 2010. 

Over time, there is more and more of a disconnect with agriculture. 

The annual Farm City Banquet held at the Madison County Extension office is a way to unite the increasingly more urban and agricultural communities. 

The Madison County Horticulture Agent works with several local organizations to plan the event, including Madison County Farm Bureau, Madison County Conservation District, the Kiwanis Club (Richmond and Berea), Berea Chamber of Commerce and Blue Grass Energy. 

The event features a meal, awards and a speaker. 

Each group gives a different award with a different emphasis. Each group tailors their award to reflect the goals of their organization. Though a couple of awards are dedicated to traditional, full time farmers, one group awards a student in high school who hopes to go on to a career in agriculture and another was given to a recently created dog park which used principles of conservation and sustainability. 

This year was special because it fell on Veterans Day. Dr. Garry Lacefield, UK Emeritus Forage Specialist, was the speaker and talked about gratitude and patriotism. He highlighted agriculture both here and abroad with an emphasis on pride in our country.

Over 110 people attended the event.

Following the event, several participants reached out to me. They said they had left the banquet feeling uplifted. Specifically several said that with the uncertainty and scary nature of the world, coming together as a group and remembering what makes us a community was important.

Several local elected officials were in attendance. They commented on how hectic life is and programs such as this are a good reminder of how important farming is to our community.