Could Bourbon Help Kentucky Producers Survive Another Tradewar?

By Grant Gardner | Assistant Extension Professor and Tyler Mark | Professor
Published on May. 30, 2025

International markets support U.S. agriculture, particularly in Kentucky, which benefits from its proximity to the Mississippi River, enabling quick and low-cost transportation to Louisiana ports.

Historical Review of “Government” Payments to Kentucky Farmers

By Will Snell | Extension Professor
Published on May. 30, 2025

Currently, there are a plethora of policy actions being discussed in our nation’s capital affecting agriculture, ranging from the farm bill debate to tax policy modifications, and of course, the on-going trade policy developments.

2025 Kentucky Legislative Session Update for Kentucky Farmers

By Emily Spencer | Extension Associate
Published on May. 30, 2025

The 2025 session of the Kentucky General Assembly concluded on Friday, March 28th.  There were 533 Senate, and 907 House bills and resolutions introduced of which 50 Senate and 96 House bills became law. 

U.S. Ag Trade Deficit Continues to Widen

By Will Snell | Extension Professor
Published on Mar. 31, 2025

The balance of trade, measured by the difference in a country’s value of exports versus the value of its imports, has received a lot of attention in recent months. While the overall U.S. economy has experienced negative annual trade balances for decades, U.S agriculture has historically recorded annual trade surpluses.

Observations From Vietnam and Taiwan – Opportunities for U.S. and Kentucky Agriculture

By Will Snell | Extension Professor
Published on Jan. 31, 2025

The Kentucky Agricultural Leadership Program (KALP) traveled to Vietnam and Taiwan for their international study tour earlier this month. We selected these two nations for their economic, social, and political diversity.  Both of these markets are typical of many emerging consumer markets in Southeast Asia — experiencing population and significa

Where Is the Base? Farm Bill Enhancements Could Be Negligible Without a Base Acre Update

By Grant Gardner | Assistant Extension Professor
Published on Oct. 31, 2024

The current farm safety net can be found in Title 1 of the farm bill, a piece of omnibus legislation

ADM Requirements to Comply with New EU Regulation Impacting Kentucky Soybean Producers

By Grant Gardner | Assistant Extension Professor and Jordan Shockley | Associate Extension Professor
Published on May. 24, 2024

Starting December 24, 2024, the European Union (EU) will require all imported soybeans to be deforestation-free. The policy aims to prevent deforestation and promote sustainable agriculture practices. Consequently, soybeans destined for the EU market must be traceable back to specific fields where they are grown.

Farm Bill Update – May 2024

By Will Snell | Extension Professor
Published on May. 24, 2024

Following the expiration and eventual extension of the 2018 farm bill last fall, interested parties have been attempting to get a farm bill moving in this session of the U.S. Congress prior to the existing farm bill expiring on September 30, 2024.

Drivers of Commodity Prices: Exports

By Grant Gardner | Assistant Extension Professor
Published on Apr. 29, 2024

Since the onset of COVID, agricultural commodity charts have resembled the track of a roller coaster, with huge peaks and valleys. Global geopolitical events and conflict intensify these peaks and valleys. During the 2023/24 marketing year, commodity prices have transitioned downward.

The Ag Census Confirms Geographic and Commodity Shifts in the Kentucky Farm Economy

By Will Snell | Extension Professor
Published on Mar. 28, 2024

The twenty-year time frame between the latest USDA Ag Census (2022) released earlier this year and the 2002 Ag Census occurred during a period of dramatic changes in Kentucky agriculture.  During this two-decade period, the tobacco buyout was passed (in 2004) and implemented (2005-2014), the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board made significa