Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy
Awards Presented to Agricultural Leaders

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Governor’s Summit on Agriculture was held today at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. Agricultural leaders from all over the Commonwealth came together to begin the process of a strategic plan of action that will encompass all aspects of agriculture to move Kentucky forward.

The 2007 Kentucky Agricultural Development Awards Luncheon: A Kentucky Proud Event was held during the Summit to recognize Kentucky producers and honor agriculture leaders in the Commonwealth. Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy, Keith Rogers, presented awards to leaders in the agriculture community for their service to Kentucky’s agricultural diversification effort.

 “I congratulate the winners of each award that was presented today. For those in agriculture the opportunities are endless for those who are willing to take advantage of them,” said Keith Rogers. “I hope each of these winners will help build on the success of Kentucky agriculture and help lead us into the future.”

The awards are as follows:

• Innovations in Agriculture- “Computers for Farmers” Program
  The “Computers for Farmers” program began as a collaboration between the Kentucky Community & Technical College System and the Commodity Growers Cooperative, as a way to get farmers the computer training necessary for managing farm records, inventory, market research, and other aspects of a farm business.  This program is unique in the Commonwealth of Kentucky; the curriculum has been designed specifically for farmers, using farm-related examples and exercises.

• Outstanding Administrator of the Year- Linda Lake, Mercer County Conservation District
  The Mercer County Conservation District has provided cost-share programs to local farmers since the beginning of the Agricultural Development Fund through the Forage Improvement and Hay, Straw, & Commodity Storage programs.  The Conservation District has also leased two no-till drills and a sprayer to county farmers.

• Extension Agent  of the Year-Steve Moore, Henry County
  Mr. Moore has thirty-two years of Cooperative Extension Service experience and has advised the Henry County Council, since 2000. He has been working with groups and individuals to make Henry County a well-farmed countryside; with emphasis on Forage/Livestock Education, Forestry, Sustainable Agriculture, Tobacco, and Leadership Development.

• 2007 County Council Member of the Year- Larry Clay, Perry County
  In 2000, Larry was appointed to the first Agricultural Development Board.  When Larry’s term ended on the State Board, his leadership abilities were quickly put to use on the Perry County Agricultural Development Council.

• 2007 County Council Member of the Year- John Sparks, Lawrence County After being an advisor to the Lawrence County Council for the last six years 2006 was John’s first year as a member of the council and chairman. He retired from the UK Cooperative Extension Service after serving thirty-two years in Floyd and Lawrence Counties.

• 2007 County Council Member of the Year- Harry Young, Marion County
  Harry has been a County Council member for the past seven years. He has twenty six years of agricultural lending experience and feels that his hands on experience in farming makes him a better loan officer and his lending experience has made him a better farmer.