The Owensboro Times and Daviess County Farm Bureau have teamed up to launch a week-long series celebrating local farmers, agriculture, and community initiatives. This feature marks the beginning of the series, which follows National Farmers Day on Oct. 12, with upcoming stories highlighting the individuals and efforts driving the community’s agricultural success.
As the Daviess County Farm Bureau celebrates over 102 years of service, Wally Taylor, president of the local branch, reflected on the organization’s history and evolving mission.
“We were founded in 1922 because farmers needed a voice, especially for things like welfare and insurance,” Taylor said. “But it was also about making the community better – like getting electric and phone service for rural areas.”
The Daviess County branch aligns with the larger Kentucky Farm Bureau, founded in 1919, and the American Farm Bureau, which began in 1918. While advocacy for farmers remains a priority, the organization’s reach extends beyond agriculture.
“We’ve got great lobbyists in Frankfort and Washington, but it’s not just about farming – it’s about helping the entire community,” Taylor said.
A growing membership and expanding mission
Over time, the Farm Bureau’s membership has grown significantly, with many members not directly involved in agriculture.
“Most of our members today aren’t farmers, but they benefit from competitive insurance prices and other services,” Taylor said. “That’s what keeps people coming back.”
While the Farm Bureau has diversified its offerings, the organization remains committed to serving the agricultural sector.
Tough times for farmers
Taylor described 2024 as a difficult year for farmers in Daviess County. He said market prices have dropped, and high input costs have added pressure.
“It’s tough corn planting was delayed because of a wet spring, and the hot, dry August really hurt our bean yields,” Taylor said. “The prices are market-driven, so we have no control over what we sell for or what we pay for supplies.”
Taylor noted that these challenges aren’t unique to Daviess County but reflect national trends.
“If a farmer has a bad year, it can take three to five years to recover,” he said. “And this year has been especially rough.”
A strong sense of community
Despite these struggles, Taylor emphasized the sense of unity within the local farming community.
“Farmers here help each other, whether it’s sharing advice or stepping in when someone’s in need,” Taylor said. “They’re a good-natured bunch – though the weather can definitely get them aggravated.”
As part of his role on the Daviess County Soil Conservation District board, Taylor also promotes sustainable practices, such as cover crops and soil health initiatives.
“Farmers are seeing benefits from these methods and are spreading the word to neighbors,” Taylor said. “We know working together helps everyone.”
Celebrating agriculture in the community
This article kicks off The Owensboro Times’ week-long series on local agriculture, sponsored by Farm Bureau. The series will explore the efforts of local farmers, agriculture’s impact on the community, and initiatives shaping the industry’s future.
Taylor said Farm Bureau’s century-long commitment to farmers and the community remains unwavering despite changing markets and unpredictable seasons.
“It’s about doing good for the community and making life better – not just for farmers, but for everyone,” Taylor said.
