Author: Mattea Mitchell
Planning Unit: Hickman County CES
Major Program: Sustainable Agriculture
Plan of Work: Improving the efficiency of producers' marketing abilities and production practices.
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
The Four River Counties is bountiful with agriculture. With an impressive 83.53% of the land in all four river counties is used for crop production, it is easy to say that agriculture holds a strong presence in these communities. Working together as one, a committee was developed to highlight agriculture in Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman County.
The first annual WAVE River Counties AG Day was held at Fort Jefferson Cross Memorial in Wickliffe on July 13. The theme “Lets Grow With It”, was displayed for all to see.
The WAVE Ag Day was a joint venture including all four county judge executives, the four UK Ag agents in each county, local agricultural businesses, Kentucky Farm Bureau of each county, the Ballard Chamber of Commerce, River Valley Ag Credit, Murray State University, and Ballard County school personnel. Numerous planning meetings were held throughout the year. Sponsors were obtained to help fund the Ag Day and each river county after expenses received $5000.00 to help their county Grow With It. Ballard County gave their money to their Chamber, Fulton and Hickman County presented their money to their 4-H and FFA groups, and Carlisle County used their funds to establish a Chamber of Commerce. The platinum sponsors presented three awards: Farmer of the Year, Ag Business of the Year, and last but not least the Friend of Agriculture award.
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 400 people the group listened to key talks by Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, and Warren Beeler talking about strong agricultural and economic development chances for the counties. On hand were also other legislators and the four river county, judge executives.
Following the breakfast and awards program the group moved to Wickliffe Park. At the park over 60 exhibitors and vendors were set up for the public to visit and interact. The KY Ag Mobile Classroom was set up as well as Dale Dobson with an ATV and lawn mower safety demonstration. There was lots of food and fun all highlighting the theme "Let's Grow With It"! Lots of the kids enjoyed the petting zoo. Those surveyed all agreed the day was a great success even though it was extremely hot. Everyone is looking forward to the event next year. The Ag Day will rotate to all four counties and will be held in Hickman County in 2019.