Kentucky Proud
A Message From Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles
Welcome to a very Kentucky Proud edition of Edible Magazine. As Commissioner of Agriculture, I have the honor of representing you and the 75,000 or so farm families across our old Kentucky home. Edible Kentucky and its readers are some of the greatest supporters of local agriculture and food. This has been especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to thank you for supporting our farmers during this difficult time. I hope you’ll find this magazine a helpful tool for learning how you can support a Kentucky Proud farmers’ market, one of our Buy Local restaurants, or even some value-added agricultural products like Kentucky bourbon, craft beer, or wine. In all cases, I want to thank you for being Kentucky Proud!
A Fresh Look at Kentucky Farms.
Ask a thousand people around the world to name the top three things they know about Kentucky and, invariably, the answers will be: horses, bourbon, and fried chicken.
It’s the de facto identity of the commonwealth to many people. Other states find themselves in the same position. Maryland has crab cakes; Iowa is known for corn; and millions flock to Florida every year thanks, in large part, to a mouse who lives in the most magical place on earth. Geographic associations are inevitable. We’re just fortunate to have a few really good ones in Kentucky.
It’s no accident Kentucky’s global reputation hinges on a few specific signature industries. It’s also not by chance Kentucky farms have played a vital role in shaping who we are to the world. New settlers drawn to the Kentucky territory by Virginia’s 1776 Corn Patch and Cabin Rights Act quickly learned corn grew extremely well in Kentucky’s rich soils. The act allowed settlers to claim 400 acres of the Kentucky frontier if they agreed to build cabins and plant corn. Among those enticed to make the journey across the Appalachian Mountains were immigrants from Scotland and Ireland who brought with them whiskey-distilling knowledge from their native land. Before long, a new style of whiskey with a mash bill predominantly comprised of corn was taking the nation by storm.
The state’s rich landscape is also a large part of why the equine industry has thrived in Kentucky for nearly two centuries. Central Kentucky’s rolling hills are rich with limestone and provide an abundance of essential nutrients to the soil, creating high-quality grazing land for raising the best Thoroughbred horses in the world.
Whether you think limestone in the soil is the reason behind production of Derby-winning race horses or limestone spring water is the key to world-class bourbon, there’s no denying Kentucky farms are behind production of the best of both. And as for the fried chicken? Well, a certain Kentucky Colonel in a white suit and string tie is largely responsible for that feather in our cap. But that’s not to say poultry isn’t a sizable industry in the commonwealth. In fact, the poultry industry is one of Kentucky’s top five agricultural exports and provided more than $1.1 billion to Kentucky farmers in 2019.
Agriculture is the largest human endeavor on Earth, utilizing more than 38 percent of all accessible land. In Kentucky, there are around 13 million acres dedicated to agriculture. That’s just over half of the total area of the entire state. And with 97 percent of farms in the commonwealth family-owned, farming is still very much a family business in Kentucky. Of the 915 million acres farmed across America, the average American farm is 434 acres. But small farms are the backbone of Kentucky agriculture with half of all of Kentucky’s farms less than 50 acres.
Farms in Kentucky are diverse as well. From grains, tobacco, and fruit to cattle, sheep, and even aquaculture, Kentucky farms grow and raise a wide array of crops, livestock, and other products. From 2012 to 2017, the number of female farmers in Kentucky increased by more than 35 percent. And while there’s often discussion about 58 being the average age of American farmers, there are more than 13,000 farmers in Kentucky younger than 35.
Cutting-edge agricultural technology (aka ag-tech) to improve yields, find efficiencies, and increase profitability is being widely adopted across Kentucky’s farms. The newest robotics, farm management software, and latest advancements in mechanizations are implemented as fast as new research is released and products are made available. In 1930, one farmer fed four people. Now one farmer feeds 166 people annually in the U.S. and abroad.
While horses are a signature industry for the commonwealth (holding the top place in the nation for equine sales), sales from cattle, poultry, and other agricultural animal products are fundamental to the state’s economy. Kentucky has more beef cattle than any other state east of the Mississippi River and ranks eighth nationally in total inventory. There are more than 1,400 hog and pig operations in Kentucky with approximately 285,000 animals. Kentucky ranks seventh in the nation for meat goat production and 19th in milk goat production. And in 2018, more than 50,000 Kentucky dairy cows produced 126 million gallons of milk.
Kentucky-grown corn is probably best associated with bourbon, and approximately 15–20 million bushels of corn are utilized by Kentucky distilleries each year. Soybeans may not be a crop traditionally associated with Kentucky, but in 2019 soybeans were grown on approximately 1.8 million acres and boasted cash receipts totaling $778 million. Soybean meal is used to feed livestock, but soybean oil is also used in ethanol and a number of food products, including candy, margarine, and salad dressing, just to name a few.
While the world may know us for horses, bourbon, and fried chicken, there’s a whole lot more to learn and love about Kentucky farms. Kentucky Proud® is the state’s official marketing program for agricultural products and represents locally grown food, farmers’ markets, farm stands, agritourism sites, and many other products and destinations with roots in Kentucky soil. There are more than 10,000 Kentucky Proud member busines representing all aspects of agriculture in the commonwealth. Kentucky Proud connects consumers with farm businesses and products made with ingredients from Kentucky farms. To learn more about Kentucky Proud, visit kyproud.com.
Kentucky Proud® Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets continue to gain popularity as more consumers discover the benefits of purchasing local farm-fresh food. From 1994 to 2019, the number of farmers’ markets in the U.S. increased from 2,000 to 8,600. There are now more than 160 successful and diverse Kentucky Proud farmers’ markets across the commonwealth, spanning 110 counties and 2,700 vendors. If you know a farmer, you know the hours are long and the profit margins are often slim. Farmers choose to farm because they care about the land and understand they serve a vital role in their communities. It can be a thankless profession, but we couldn’t live without them. Farmers’ markets are a direct-to-consumer business model, which allows for increased profits to the farm.
According to a 2017 Forbes magazine article, for every $100 spent at locally owned businesses, $68 remains in the local community. Supporting local businesses also creates jobs where you live. And shopping at your local Kentucky Proud farmers’ market means your food travels fewer miles from the farm to your plate. That not only allows you to pick your food at the very peak of freshness but also conserves energy and resources in the form of decreased transportation costs and reduced packaging.
While there’s an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets, we all need to splurge a bit on occasion. So, whether your guilty pleasure is a buttered slice of freshly baked bread, a glass of wine, a juicy grilled ribeye, or a big ol’ bag of kettle corn, you can find all sorts of delectable foods at your local farmers’ market. The diversity of many markets is nothing to sneeze at, even if some of the locally grown flower bouquets cause you a bit of a sniffle. Check your local Kentucky Proud® farmers’ market website or Facebook page for a full list of vendors and products.
For a full list of Kentucky Proud farmers’ markets, visit kyproud.com/farmersmarkets.
There’s no denying that farmers’ markets are awesome, but shopping at a market is a bit different than a trip to your local grocery store. No matter if you’re a market newbie or a seasoned shopper, check out this list of tips to maximize your farmers’ market experience in 2021:
1. Pre-order from your Kentucky Proud farmers’ market: It’s true, you can pre-order fresh, Kentucky farm products from farm families near you online. While some vendors have offered pre-ordering for years, the coronavirus pandemic has amplified the number of pre-order options at farmers’ markets. Public health guidelines implemented in 2020 by state and local governments added restrictions to in-person shopping and vendor staffing. Pre-ordering was a great solution to allow farmers to keep selling their delicious farm goods.
Even though many restrictions have been lifted, pre-ordering for many vendors was so successful the option is likely here to stay. Search market websites and Facebook pages to locate vendor lists. Many market sites will have information about what their vendors offer and links to business pages that have pre-order options. It takes a bit of research, but pre-order is a great option for you if you’d rather browse from your couch than spend time shopping in person.
2. Farmers’ markets are about more than fruits and vegetables: It’s not just fruits and veggies at your local farmers’ market. Many farm families have recipes for jams, jellies, breads, and butters passed down from generation to generation that they are willing to share with your family. Not to mention fresh meats, eggs, flowers, herbs, cheese, ice cream, wine, and more. If variety is the spice of life, then farmers’ markets are extra spicy. Oh, and some markets sell spices, too.
3. Ask your local farmers for recipes and prep tips for unfamiliar produce: Shying away from that weird-looking kohlrabi because you don’t have a clue what to do with it? Ask vendors selling anything unfamiliar that has piqued your interest about prep tips and recipes. They grow or raise it, so they’ll know what to do with it. All farmers are passionate about what they’re selling and eager to answer questions, so don’t be shy. They may give you a new idea to liven up your next meal.
4. Arrive early to find the best selection: This one is a bit of a no-brainer, but this may be the most important tip of all if you’re new to shopping at farmers’ markets. The earlier you arrive at the market, the better the selection. Market vendors bring what they have to sell, and it’s gone when they run out. Just like your mom used to say, the early bird gets the worm! If you want to live a bit dangerously and potentially get a good deal, show up right before the market closes for the day. You may be able to find some great discounts – that is, if there are any products left.
5. Bring large bags: Packing your favorite reusable bags for grocery runs is nothing new. Bring bags big enough to fit all your farm-fresh purchases on trips to your local farmers’ market. Fresh-cut flower bouquets take up a fair amount of space, as do a couple of tomahawk steaks. Want to try your hand at baking a cushaw pie? You’re going to need a bigger bag (cheesy “Jaws” movie reference).
Plan a visit to your local market where you’ll find the freshest ingredients and so much more. Fresh food. Fresh thinking. Find both at a Kentucky Proud® farmers’ market near you.
Dining with Kentucky Proud® Farms.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kentucky’s vibrant culinary scene was experiencing exciting growth across the state and garnering national attention. Kentucky Proud remains invested in ensuring our culinary gems survive and return to their thriving pre-pandemic prestige. Buy Local is a Kentucky Proud incentive program established by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to reward restaurants and other food service participants for enhancing their menus with farm-sourced Kentucky Proud ingredients. Our goal is to encourage the purchase of products from Kentucky farmers, while making it easier for the food-service community to procure them and heighten the dining experience of their patrons.
By sourcing Kentucky Proud locally produced ingredients, Buy Local restaurants are showing their commitment to serving fresh, local food while supporting Kentucky’s farm families.
“We’re proud to have provided a stable, small market for our local farmers and will continue to be dedicated to doing so. We love being part of Buy Local Kentucky Proud.” – Ouita Michel, owner, Ouita Michel Family of Restaurants.
The goal for the Buy Local program is to incentivize restaurants to seek local farm products and build lasting relationships with our Kentucky farming community. The program has yearly and lifetime reimbursement limits so the restaurants can stay loyal to our farmers as customers become loyal to Buy Local restaurants.
“Over the six years I have lived here, it’s been amazing to see the Louisville food scene evolve. I am so grateful for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture Buy Local program, making it even easier for us to support local farms.” – Meghan Levins, chef, Monnik Beer Co.
Dining at Kentucky Proud Buy Local restaurants is truly a mise-en-place experience, with locally sourced farm-fresh food at the center of every plate. To learn more about the program and to find Buy Local restaurants near you, visit kyproud.com/buylocal.
Buy Local Restaurants
WEST
440 Main, Bowling Green, KY
Boyce General Store, Alvaton, KY
The Farmer and Frenchman Winery, Robards, KY
Izzy’s Italian Restaurant, Morganfield, KY
Kuttawa – Hub’s Harbor Marina, Kuttawa, KY
Fit Meals Murray, Murray, KY
Our Daily Bread, Eddyville, KY
The Joint, Eddyville, KY
CENTRAL
Anoosh Bistro, Louisville, KY
Athenian Grill, Lexington, KY
Azur Restaurant & Patio, Lexington, KY
Bluebird Café, Stanford, KY
Blue Dog Bakery & Café, Louisville, KY
Bourbons Bistro, Louisville, KY
Brasserie Provence, Louisville, KY
Bristol Bar & Grille – Downtown, Louisville, KY
Bristol Bar & Grille – Highland, Louisville, KY
Bristol Bar & Grille – Hurstbourne, Louisville, KY
Broomwagon, Lexington, KY
Coles 735 Main, Lexington, KY
Crank and Boom, Lexington, KY
Cuvee Wine Table, Louisville, KY
Doodles, Lexington, KY
Dudley’s Restaurant, Lexington, KY
Eppings on Eastside, Lexington, KY
Full Stop Station, Louisville, KY
Good Foods Co-op, Lexington, KY
Gralehaus, Louisville, KY
Grassa Gramma, Louisville, KY
Harvey’s Cheese, Louisville, KY
Holly Hill Inn, Midway, KY
Holy Grale, Louisville, KY
Honeywood Restaurant, Lexington, KY
Jack Fry’s, Louisville, KY
Le Moo, Louisville, KY
Louisville Country Club, Louisville, KY
Louisville Marriott Downtown, Louisville, KY
Louvino – Bardstown, Louisville, KY
Louvino – Main, Louisville, KY
Maiden City Brewing Company, Cynthiana, KY
Mayan Café, Louisville, KY
Middle Fork Kitchen Bar, Lexington, KY
Midway School Bakery, Midway, KY
Monnik Beer Company, Louisville, KY
Nam Nam Café, Louisville, KY
Need More Acres Farm, Scottsville, KY
Omni Hotel, Louisville, KY
Origin Hotel Lexington, Lexington, KY
Oscar Diggs, Lexington, KY
Pasture by Marksbury, Lexington, KY
Pendennis Club, Louisville, KY
Please & Thank You, Louisville, KY
Proof on Main, Louisville, KY
Ramsey’s – Andover, Lexington, KY
Ramsey’s – Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, KY
Ramsey’s – Missy’s Pie, Lexington, KY
Ramsey’s – Tates Creek, Lexington, KY
Ramsey’s – Zandale, Lexington, KY
Red Hog Artisan Butcher & Restaurant, Louisville, KY
River House Restaurant, Louisville, KY
Seviche, Louisville, KY
Smithtown Seafood, Lexington, KY
Solomon’s Porch, Wilmore, KY
Spark Community Café, Versailles, KY
Stella’s Kentucky Deli, Lexington, KY
The Blue Heron Steakhouse, Lexington, KY
The Kentucky Millstone, Butler, KY
The Sage Rabbit, Lexington, KY
The Status Crowe, Scottsville, KY
The Stave, Frankfort, KY
The Village Anchor Pub & Roost, Anchorage, KY
Varanese, Louisville, KY
Versailles Brewing Company, Versailles, KY
Vinaigrette – Hamburg, Lexington, KY
Vinaigrette – Hurstborne, Louisville, KY
Vinaigrette – Sharkey Way, Lexington, KY
Vinaigrette – Square, Lexington, KY
Wallace Station, Versailles, KY
West Main Crafting Co, Lexington, KY
Wildcat Willy’s Distillery, Winchester, KY
Wiltshire at the Speed, Louisville, KY
Wiltshire on Market, Louisville, KY
Wiltshire Pantry, Louisville, KY
Windy Corner, Lexington, KY
Zim’s Café, Lexington, KY
EAST
Pine Mountain Grill, Whitesburg, KY
Raven Rock Golf, Jenkins, KY
The Wrigley, Corbin, KY
The Spirited Side of Kentucky Farms.
Bourbon has experienced an economic boom in recent years. Between 2012 and 2017, sales of bourbon whiskey grew by more than 50 percent to $3.3 billion. Bourbon production has increased by 115 percent in the last five years. 95% of all bourbon – officially America’s Native Spirit – comes from right here in Kentucky. There are approximately 10 million barrels of spirits gracefully aging in the commonwealth right now. That’s more than two barrels for every single Kentuckian (luckily, we’re the sharing type). That’s not only great news for Kentucky’s bourbon industry, it’s also very good for Kentucky farms. According to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, its member distillers purchased more than 9 million bushels of corn and other grains in 2017 from Kentucky farmers – more than half of all distillery corn purchases.
Although Kentucky might best be known for making the world’s greatest whiskies, there are far more beverages in the commonwealth than just bourbon. And while milk may be the official state drink of Kentucky, the craft beer and wine scenes are thriving here as well.
Believe it or not, America’s commercial wine industry was born in Kentucky in 1798 when Swiss vine-dresser Jean-Jacques Dufour bought 600 acres of land on the sloping banks of the Kentucky River in what’s now Jessamine County and established the aptly named First Vineyard. During the 1870s, Bracken County in Northern Kentucky was the leading wine producing county in the U.S., producing more than 30,000 gallons annually (half the national wine production at the time).
There’s also a rich history of brewing in Kentucky, particularly around Louisville, dating back to the 1800s. Locally grown hops are now starting to make their mark, delivering flavors to beers across the Bluegrass straight from Kentucky farms. And Kentucky’s first malt house, sourcing all local grains, recently opened in Cynthiana, offering distinctive Kentucky-grown malts to breweries and distilleries.
Each October, Kentucky brewers partner with Kentucky Proud® to create new limited-edition beers brewed with ingredients from Kentucky farms. The Kentucky Proud Craft Beer Series has become an eagerly anticipated fall event and a chance for beer lovers to try out some unique brews. (Pawpaw IPA, anyone?) Then there is Drink KY, a brand-new interactive website and app that lets you chart your journeys, plan your weekend adventures, track your favorite experiences, and earn rewards just for visiting local tasting and taprooms. Drink KY is your personal guide to Kentucky’s wineries and craft breweries.
To learn more, visit drink-ky.com.
