Kentucky Farm Bureau Preserves Farmland Through Transition Planning Initiative
In partnership with: Kentucky Department of Agriculture
According to Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) President Eddie Melton, recent census data revealed a shocking loss of farmland. Between 2002 and 2022, the Commonwealth lost 1.4 million acres of farmland and 17,000 farms.
“We knew we needed to act,” Melton said. “We need to protect our ability to feed, fuel, and clothe ourselves.”
KFB created the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative (KFTI) to protect farmland and support its transition to future generations. Launched in April 2024, the KFTI aims to address the growing concerns of farmland loss and provide resources and a network to landowners to ensure farmland remains productive for years, as well as navigate the transition process.
“Certified planners, attorneys, and other professionals are available to help,” Melton said. “But the key is to make sure farmers are aware of these resources.”
Communication and Cooperation
Transitioning farmland from one generation to the next can be difficult and emotional, but encouraging communication helps in the long run.
“Talking about death, taxes, and other difficult subjects within families can be hard,” he said. “But earlier planning and open communication often lead to better outcomes.”
Matt Adams of Adams Family Farms shared his personal experience with farmland transition, highlighting the importance of having a plan in place. Adams, who farms in Hardin, Hart, and LaRue counties, took over a farm from a mentor with no formal transition plan. Adams said they were lucky it worked out; however, if there had been formal plans made, it would have been much easier.
“The family worked with me to buy the farm in stages, but without that flexibility, it would have been nearly impossible,” he said.
Adams believes young farmers face a unique challenge in securing land to continue farming, but KFTI can create a way to overcome this barrier for the next generation.
“Land is our most limiting resource,” Adams said. “If we don’t have land, we can’t farm. It’s crucial that we preserve these acres for the next generation, whether it’s within the family or passed on to another farmer.”
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Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative Planning and Policy
Melton emphasizes the KFTI has been well received and a collaborative effort across multiple organizations.
“We have reached out to commodity groups and agricultural interests across the state to ensure everyone’s input is included,” Melton said. “To truly make a difference, it’s going to take more than just Farm Bureau reaching out to farmers.”
KFB is also exploring potential policy changes that could aid farmland transitions.
“We have a law on the books for tax credits for beginning and young farmers,” Melton said. “We think this needs to be expanded to include active farmers, too. We think this incentive helps to keep farmland in production.”
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While the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative is still in its early stages, both Melton and Adams hope it will make a lasting impact.
“Success for us is helping even one farmer navigate the transition process,” Melton said. “We want to make sure that both the seller and the buyer are successful and that the land remains in active production.”
Adams is optimistic the initiative will continue to gain momentum, ensuring a future for Kentucky agriculture and farmers.
“There is a next generation of farmers who are passionate about agriculture,” Adams said. “KFB leadership has shown incredible commitment to this cause, and it’s refreshing to see so many people working together to preserve Kentucky’s farmland.”
For more information about the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative, visit kyfarmlandtransition.com.