Kentucky.gov

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Steve Beshear has appointed Patrick M. Henderson to serve as a member of the Agricultural Development Board.

Henderson, of Irvington, is a self-employed farmer. He has previously served as president of the Kentucky Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts. The appointment replaces John Cleaver Jr., whose term has expired. Henderson shall serve for a term expiring July 6, 2012.

The governor has also reappointed James R. Mahan to serve as a member of the board.

Mahan, of Lexington, is the owner of Mahan Farms. He represents active farmers. Mahan shall serve for a term expiring July 6, 2012.

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 percent 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.

###