Page 44 - 4064_DiscoverAdair

A Farming Community

In Adair County, agriculture is dustry has been welcomed by Much of Adair County’s suc-
by far one of, if not the largest, in- many farmers. Poultry houses cess in agriculture can be attrib-
dustries present. Adair County have been able to produce steady uted to the teamwork and
farmers alone produce just over income for farmers while provid- camaraderie of Adair County
$53.3 million in agriculture com- ing a supply of rich fertilizers, farmers. An example of this can
modities on an annual basis. which can be applied to their be seen by the Adair County Cat-
According to USDA 2012 cropland or sold to other tlemen’s Association. With nearly
data, 2,778 people directly re- farmers. A large user of gas to 300 members, the Association
ceived income from farm opera- heat houses during the winter, the ranks the sixth largest association
tions in Adair County, which is poultry industry has brought op- in Kentucky. The association
approximately 33.7 percent of portunities for expansion of natu- provides educational opportuni-
total county employment. ral gas lines throughout additional ties for local cattle producers and
The Adair County countryside areas of the county. promotes the beef industry to

is filled with more than 40,000 The Adair County agribusiness both consumers and local
head of cattle and ranks 10th in sector continues to grow to sup- leaders.
Kentucky for beef cows and sec- port the local, regional and state The Adair County Cattlemen’s
ond for dairy cows. Burley to- agriculture industry. In recent Association has long served as the
bacco could once be found on years, growth has included a new administrator of local programs
most every farm. Since the to- fertilizer business, a dairy supply involving Kentucky agriculture
bacco master settlement agree- business, implement dealer, and a development funds secured
ment, Adair County farmers have Tractor Supply. Additional new through the master settlement
diversified and as a result much agribusinesses are expected to agreement. On average,
open for business in the near fu-
AGRICULTURE areas of poultry, grain crops, ture. While these businesses pro- via agriculture investment pro-
growth has been observed in the
$200,000 is distributed annually
vide the essentials for farm
fruits, vegetables and small live-
grams to Adair County farmers.
operations, they also bring jobs
stock.
By Nick Roy, Adair County Extension
adairvoice.com • Discover Adair 2018
44 The growth of the poultry in- for Adair County citizens. Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources