Kentucky Department of Agriculture

Former Ag Department Employees Settle Ethics Cases

Associated Press — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:22:29 +0000

The state Executive Branch Ethics Commission has handed down public reprimands and fines to three former employees in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

The panel took the action on Monday against Bruce Harper of Harrodsburg, Chris Parsons of Mount Vernon and George "Doug" Begley of London.

Harper agreed to pay a $4,500 fine for soliciting donations from businesses his agency regulated and for attempting to interfere with enforcement actions in cases involving grain storage and disposal of dead animals.

Ag Commissioner James Comer: Indictment of Richie Farmer Won't Affect Department

Kenny Colston — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:17:35 +0000

The federal indictment of former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer won't become a problem for the Department of Agriculture, Farmer's successor said on Monday.

James Comer, who took over the office in 2011, and his office say they have helped with the multiple investigations of Farmer's tenure as agriculture commissioner—including those conducted by the state auditor, attorney general or others.

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer Closes Fuel Testing Lab Started by Richie Farmer

Kenny Colston — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:40:23 +0000

An expensive fuel lab run by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is being shut down to save the state money.

The lab was meant to test the quality of fuel from pumps across the state. It was the brainchild of former Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, who promised other states would eventually sign contracts with the lab and generate significant revenue.

Those contracts never materialized—and so far and the lab has been a money guzzler.

Study Says Demand for Local Food Outpaces Supply in Louisville

Erica Peterson — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:32:47 +0000

A new survey suggests demand for local food in Louisville exceeds the current supply.

The preliminary results of a study commissioned by local nonprofit and food advocate Seed Capital Kentucky show that Jefferson County residents are already knowingly buying local food—and would buy even more if given the chance.

Drought Conditions Could Affect Honeybee Colonies

Erica Peterson — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 14:30:00 +0000

The drought that’s been plaguing areas of Kentucky and Indiana for much of the summer could end up having an effect on honeybee colonies, too.

Sean Burgess is Kentucky’s state apiarist. He says this time of year is critical for bee colonies, because it’s when they harvest nectar to make the honey that nourishes them through the winter.

Forage Sales Directory Available For Drought-Stricken Farmers

Rick Howlett — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 19:46:07 +0000

Drought-stricken Kentucky farmers in need of hay or other forages for their livestock can seek help through a state Department of Agriculture website.

Agriculture Commissioner James Comer says a forage sales directory is up and running that can match up farmers with forages for sale with those whose pastures and fields have been dried up by the drought. A similar program is also available for farmers in Indiana.