A phone call from Laura Knoth, Executive Director of the Ky Small Grain Growers Association set in motion a tremendous track of leadership for a Ballard County Producer.  In December 2021, Laura Knoth called Tom Miller, Ballard County ANR Agent to inquire if he knew of any wheat growers that would be a good addition to the Ky Small Grain Growers Association.   Mr. Miller thought he had a great prospect in Neil Denton, son of Lynn Denton and partner in Denton Farms, one of the larger operations in Ballard County.  Neil had just served on the Ballard County Ag Development Board and had been a member of the local FSA Committee and was trying some new things with wheat and cover crops.

After his election to the Ky Small Grain Growers Association, Neil has now risen to state president of the Association.  He was also tabbed by Ky Commissioner of Agriculture to be on the State Ag Development Board.  This is the board tasked with spending the Phase 1 Tobacco settlement money for the state.  He has also just been appointed to the new Ky Agriculture Economic Development Board.    This board was created to strengthen and expand Kentucky’s agricultural economy through strategic planning, targeted partnerships, and financial incentives. The board will administer programs, such as grants, forgivable loans, and revolving loan funds, to support infrastructure upgrades, market expansion, and value-added agricultural development. The overall goal is to attract private investment, create new economic opportunities, and uplift farming communities throughout Kentucky.

While being in these positions, Neil has also become very active with media and social media trying to tell the farmer’s story.   While still managing the family farm, he is also co-owner of Atlas Media Solutions, and owner of Agri-Move LLC.