With 83.53% of the land in all four river counties used for crop production, agriculture holds a strong presence.  It was proposed to highlight agriculture in Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman County. 

The first of its kind event WAVE River Counties AG Day was held at Fort Jefferson Cross Memorial in Wickliffe on July 13 from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm.  The theme “Lets Grow With It”, was chosen. 

The WAVE Ag Day is a joint venture including all four county judge executives, the UK Ag agents in each county, Ag businesses, the Ballard Chamber of Commerce, Murray State University, and school officials.   Numerous planning meetings were held throughout the year.  Sponsors were obtained to help fund the Ag Day. The platinum sponsors presented four awards: Farmer of the Year, Ag Business of the Year, the Friend of Agriculture Award, Young Farmer award and this year the Century Award.  The Friend of Agriculture was E. L. Williams from Citizen Deposit Bank in Carlisle County a longtime supporter of farmers in the county.   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 500 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-county judge executives.

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 500 people the group listened to a keynote speech from Matt Lohr, NRCS director from Washington, D.C.  Commissioner Ryan Quarles, and Warren Beeler were present to talk about strong agricultural and economic development chances for the counties also.  We had other legislators and the county judge executives from all four counties present. To wrap the day up, WAVE was able to announce a $40,000 investment that would be put back into the communities. This investment is to help continue to increase knowledge of Ag Policy and support Agriculture Sustainability. 

The Wave Ag Initiative has also been a feature article on the CAFÉ New as well:

https://news.ca.uky.edu/article/agriculture-plays-important-role-western-kentucky-economic-development-initiative