The District 4 counties have provided programming for our Ag. lending clientele for a number of years. This year's program is especially important as we look at the financial conditions of our farmers now that we have entered a period of uncertainty with threatened international tariffs on agriculture commodities and declining farm income.

The Kentucky Ag. Lenders Conference program was planned by committee with District 3 ANR Agents and U.K. Ag. Econ. Specialists. Topics covered were tailored to the unique farming situation of the Central Kentucky area.

Lenders had the opportunity to interact with specialists from the UK College of Ag as it related to specific topics. Topics included strategies of top financial managers, US/KY/Central Ky. Ag. economy, tobacco outlook, Grain markets, beef, dairy, equine market updates. Each topic was covered by specialists most knowledgeable in that area.

91% of the survey respondents rated the information they received at the highest level. Lenders were given presentations to take home with information that they can use as they work with their clients.

Our goal is to help our lenders understand the unique situation farmers are faced with during times of declining revenues and provide the lenders with the tools and information they need to help our farm families continue to operate at a sustainable level.

82 participants attended the 2018 Kentucky Ag. Lenders Conference.