The 45th Annual Farm City Breakfast on Saturday brought together local leaders, farmers, and advocates to celebrate agriculture’s vital role in the community. The event featured guest speaker Jonathan Shell, Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture.
The event is presented by the Daviess County Farm Bureau and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. Daviess County Farm Bureau President Wally Taylor reinforced the organization’s commitment to legislative advocacy and youth programs.
“Daviess County Farm Bureau has always been active in supporting agriculture at the county, state, and national levels,” Taylor said. “We support 4-H, FFA, and various agricultural initiatives, awarding six scholarships each year totaling $10,000 to local high school students.”
The event featured remarks from community leaders, including Chamber President and CEO Candance Brake, who reflected on the history and significance of the Farm City Breakfast.
“Forty-five years ago, county and community leaders came together to recognize the importance of working together,” Brake said. “Regardless of where we live or what we do, it takes every single one of us to keep our community moving forward.”
Emcee Jeff Nalley, a broadcaster and journalist for Cromwell Media and contributor to Agri-Pulse, emphasized the enduring strength of the relationship between urban and rural communities.
“We come together recognizing the strength of our community, and we also come together recognizing the strength of our rural and urban relationship – city cousins, rural neighbors, stewards of the soil,” Nalley said. “We certainly are blessed in this community.”
Daniel Hayden, chair of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, introduced Shell, highlighting his dedication to advancing the industry.
“You will not find someone more passionate about Kentucky agriculture than Jonathan Shell,” Hayden said. “He’s been fighting for us since day one, bringing national leaders to Kentucky and making sure our voices are heard.”
Shell addressed the audience, underscoring the importance of supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.
“Every single day, I get to work on your behalf, and that means something special to me,” Shell said. “If you ever feel discouraged about the future, go visit a local FFA chapter. These young people are doing incredible work.”
He also discussed pressing issues facing agriculture, including farmland preservation. According to Shell, Kentucky has lost 1.4 million acres of farmland in the past 20 years, averaging nearly 192 acres per day.
“We have to look at ways to protect farmland for future generations,” Shell said. “We need to engage local governments and economic developers in conversations about best land use practices.”
Shell encouraged support for Kentucky’s agriculture education programs, including FFA, emphasizing the impact of the Ag Tag donation program.
“We raised $930,000 last year for Ag Tag donations, and our goal is to hit $1 million this year,” Shell said. “Half of those funds go directly back to local communities, supporting students and ensuring agriculture has a strong future.”
As the region grows and evolves, Brake said events like the Farm City Breakfast reaffirm the shared commitment to fostering strong agricultural traditions and economic development for future generations.
