Several awards and recognitions were handed out during the Salute to Agriculture breakfast hosted Tuesday morning by the Christian County Agri-Business Association and Chamber of Commerce.
The keynote speaker was Congressman and former Kentucky Ag. Commissioner James Comer, who says the biggest challenge facing farmers is federal policy. He went over several issues where he believes Democrats and Republicans fall short of having the best interests of farmers in mind, saying there are Republicans in Congress who see the ethanol subsidy as ‘corporate welfare.’
Comer, a Republican, praised Commonwealth Agri-Energy in Hopkinsville as the best ethanol plant in the country and says he’ll fight for ethanol production as part of the country’s energy policy no matter which party is in charge.
He blamed Democrats and Republicans for failure to compromise on an updated H2A bill, saying farmers must have the ability to hire sufficient migrant workers in a time when it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find help.
He also cited tax policy, water infrastructure and environmental regulations as issues Ag. leaders should keep an eye on and talk to their federal delegation about.
The Farmer of the Year Award was presented to Micah Lester, who thanked his family and praised the community for supporting its farmers.
Four Seasons Catering is the Agri-Business of the Year, retired Fox Creek Cattle Company owner Carolyn Sorrell is the Friend of Agriculture and the Distinguished Service Award went to the late Troy Goode, who taught agriculture in the Christian County School System for 28 years. His widow, Anna Goode, accepted the honor and noted his love for his students and farming.
The Agri-Business Association and Hopkinsville Rotary Club announced a $6,000 scholarship that will be presented to a local FFA student in Goode’s honor.
This year’s country ham basket was auctioned off to Hutson Ag. for $25,000, with all of that money to benefit local FFA and 4H clubs.
