11/20/2025
For the last week after our Farm City Banquet I have done a tremendous amount of research into the 2022 census and here are my findings:
Madison County is facing a serious challenge: we rank 3rd in Kentucky for farmland lost between 2017 and 2022, with a 17% drop in farm acreage. This isn’t just about land—it’s about our economy, our jobs, and our way of life.
Agriculture generated over $63 million here in Madison county last year, and what many don’t realize is that farmers primarily spend that money locally—at farm stores, dealerships, mechanics, and even local shops—supporting families and small businesses across our community.
With rapid population growth and development, farmland is disappearing fast. While growth can be positive, we need smart growth—not growth for growth’s sake. We must balance new housing developments with protecting the farms that sustain us.
If current trends continue, Madison County could lose up to 30% of its farmland by 2027. That means fewer farms, less local food production, and a weakened agricultural economy.
That’s why I’m committed to commonsense solutions that protect farmland without heavy-handed government mandates:
Expanding successful programs like conservation easements and agricultural districts to help more farmers.
Offering incentives like tax breaks and grants to reward farmers who keep their land productive.
Supporting beginning and young farmers to carry on our agricultural legacy.
Pushing for smart infrastructure planning that focuses growth in the right places—protecting farmland and building sustainable communities.
Strengthening right-to-farm protections so farmers can operate without fear of nuisance lawsuits.
Promoting education and collaboration among farmers, landowners, developers, and officials to find balanced solutions.
Respecting private property rights by encouraging stewardship rather than imposing burdens.
Our farms are part of who we are. It’s time to act now, protecting our farmland, supporting our farmers, and ensuring Madison County remains a thriving, balanced community.
https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Online_Resources/County_Profiles/Kentucky/cp21151.pdf