Vertical integration has caused turmoil across the dairy industry in Kentucky all the while the onslaught continues in attacks on animal agriculture both creating large amount of scrutiny among consumers in the grocery store aisle.  Distraught family farmers in empty barns and images of animal abuse have shared across social media platforms painting the all aspects of animal agriculture in a bad light.

The Grant County Farm Bureau Federation and the Grant County Extension Service partnered together to educate our friends and neighbors about the importance of dairy production in Grant County and the state of Kentucky.  A local farm has developed and delivered a wonderful agritourism presentation that explains the backgrounds behind organizations that make up the opposition to the industry.   

The 2019 Farm & Family Field Day was planned as a collaborative event in conjunction with the Grant County Agriculture Advisory Council, Grant County Soil Conservation District and the Grant County Farm Bureau Federation.  The intention of bringing farmers and their neighbors to the same table to enjoy some good food and learn a little more about life on the farm.  This event was focused on various aspects of animal agriculture with an emphasis on dairy production and the impacts that consumer decisions at the grocery store impact at the farm.  Further focus was placed on agritourism and understanding KY Proud and where to purchase KY Proud products to support local agriculture.  The audience was treated to a hay ride that had stops at areas on the farm to backdrop the area of emphasis. 

Over 150 Grant County Farmers and their non-farm neighbors gathered at Country Pumpkins in Dry Ridge.    

Participants were given a survey to gauge learning from the field day returning surveys qualified for drawing of donated gift baskets.  All respondents indicated that they had a better understanding of their purchase decisions on farm families.  35% of respondents indicated that they had purchased KY Proud products prior to the field day.  65% of respondents indicated that they planned to purchase KY Proud products following the field day.  55% of all respondents indicated that they only purchased food from major food retailers whereas 75% of those respondents indicated that they intended to purchase more local farm products.