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The Lane Report

Fayette County – Kentucky's Agricultural Leader

As part of my duties as the 12 th District Councilmember for Fayette County, I am very enthusiastic about representing Lexington's agribusiness community. Most of Lexington's farms and related businesses are located in the rural portions of the 12 th District.

Agriculture is a significant component of Fayette County's economy and helps create Central Kentucky's brand image. Lexington and Central Kentucky are synonymous, on a worldwide basis, with the equine industry. Lexington is renowned for its quality lifestyle and for being the "Horse Capital of the World".

The value of products marketed from farms in Fayette County is projected to exceed $200 million in 2007.

A recent report prepared for the Fayette County Farm Bureau and the Fayette County Agribusiness Task Force provides a wealth of information about Fayette County's leadership in agriculture. The report also makes recommendations about how to boost the impact of agribusiness on our local economy.

Noted below are summary economic data related to agribusiness in our community.

Visitors to
Equine Attractions in Fayette County

Equine related venues attracted 1.4 million visitors to Fayette County in 2004. Horse farms, racing, equine sales events and the Horse Park are highly important in bringing tourism, conventions, meetings and sales events to Central Kentucky.

Animal Auction Sales
in Fayette County

Sales of cattle and horses are estimated to exceed one billion dollars in 2005. Lexington is the top market for animal sales in Kentucky.

Farm Supply Stores

*in millions

Farm supply stores (feed, garden, lawn and nursery stores) continue to expand to meet the needs of Central Kentucky's agricultural businesses.

Animal Production Services

Animal production services include breeding, pedigree records, boarding, farrier and related services.

Veterinary Services

These data represent all veterinary services (large and small animals) and are based on U.S. Census reports.

Leadership Recommendations

Agricultural investments, production, sales and related services in our community are very significant. In order to maintain Fayette County's leadership in agribusiness, the Task Force Report made a number of detailed recommendations, which are enumerated below:

1. Promote the horse industry infrastructure to attract more horse farm investors.
   • Create an agriculture commissioner (or ambassador) position to promote Lexington & Fayette County.
   • Support new funding mechanisms to increase Kentucky bred horse awards.
2. Keep and expand the Bluegrass Stockyard in Fayette County.
3. Improve beef cattle production through intensive grazing, better management and improved genetics.
4. Assist the Lexington Farmers Market to expand.
5. Explore the creation of a larger regional farmers market.
6. Seek to recruit new food or ag processors to the Lexington area that would use local agricultural products.
7. Develop an agritourism plan for Fayette County.
8. Develop more commercial greenhouse and landscape plant production.

Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated.




If you would like to contact Ed Lane he can be reached via at EdLane@LFUCG.com ; and by letter at 200 East Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507.

Councilman Ed Lane represents the 12 th District on Lexington Urban County Council. He is the owner of a commercial real estate services firm and publishes a statewide business magazine.

“I want to conservatively spend our tax dollars,
eliminate waste, and bring sound business ideas
to local government.”

To contact Ed Lane's 12th district council offices, e-mail him at edlane@lfucg.com.