(A version of this article first appeared in The Farmer’s Pride, December 7 issue)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Pulaski County farmer Mark Haney has served as president of Kentucky Farm Bureau since 2008. On December 2, Haney was re-elected to continue to lead the organization, which boasts a membership of nearly half a million Kentucky families.
Eddie Melton of Webster County was also re-elected to the position of First Vice President and Fritz Giesecke of Hart County will continue to serve as Second Vice President.
Haney seized the opportunity to emphasize the theme of the 2017 annual meeting as he delivered his president’s address during the December 1st general session.
“’Lead Where You Stand’ is such an appropriate theme for our organization” Haney reflected. “We want folks to be able to lead in all areas of their communities; to be able to lead in any organization, whether it be a church group or PTA, whatever it is,” Haney encouraged. “You can be a leader. You can influence lives. You will be able to change where you and your children live and where your grandchildren are going to be. It will make a difference. Step out there and express your opinion. People will listen to leaders.”
Leaders and future leaders were celebrated throughout the annual meeting.
At the commodity luncheon, former Kentucky Farm Bureau president Sam Moore was recognized for his service on the Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund oversight board which he helped to create following the passage of Kentucky House Bill 611 in April of 2000. The legislation set up a process for spending the first phase of tobacco settlement monies.
In 2006 Moore had been chosen as Kentucky’s first Farmer of the Year. This year, Darren Luttrell of Ohio County was selected for the honor. Kentucky Farm Bureau annually recognizes an individual whose efforts not only strengthen the state’s agriculture industry but also demonstrates service and leadership both on and off the farm.
Ben and Katie Furnish of Harrison County were honored as Kentucky Farm Bureau’s 2017 “Outstanding Young Farm Family.” Each year KyFB awards this distinction to a couple, under the age of 35, who has exhibited the strongest farm management skills, most consistent financial growth and highest level of involvement in both Farm Bureau and the community.
— Ray Bowman, The Farmer Feeds Us All
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