Kentucky.gov

FRANKFORT, KY – Governor Steve Beshear has appointed the following members to the Agricultural Development Board to serve for terms expiring July 6, 2011:

• Benjamin Samuel “Sam” Lawson, of Bowling Green, is the president and chief executive officer of Hartland Equipment Corporation. He represents the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. The appointment replaces C. Richard Warner, who has resigned.
   
• Jim Sidebottom, of Greensburg, is the owner and manager of Sidebottom Farm. He represents active farmers. The appointment replaces H.H. Barlow, who has resigned.
   
• Troy D. Rankin, of Georgetown, is the owner and manager of Tollgate Farm. He represents active farmers. The appointment replaces Donna Maze Amburgey, who has resigned.

The Agricultural Development Board is comprised of 15 members. Eleven of the members are appointed by the governor. The board was created in 2000 and serves to distribute 50% of the states monies received from the Masters Settlement Agreement for the general purpose of agricultural development within the commonwealth.

The board invests these funds into innovative proposals to increase net farm income and effect tobacco farmers, tobacco-impacted communities and agriculture across the state by stimulating markets for Kentucky agricultural products, finding new ways to add value to Kentucky agricultural products and exploring new opportunities for Kentucky farms.

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