Oldham Green--Preserving Oldham County's Rural Character
Visioning Sessions held in conjunction with the November 1999 Countryside Exchange visit and Visioning Sessions conducted by the Oldham County Planning and Zoning Office to begin the revision of the county's Comprehensive Plan affirmed a strong citizen desire to preserve the rural character of the county.
These same sentiments were expressed by the county's youth in an essay contest sponsored by the Oldham County Countryside Exchange that was conducted to provide the international Countryside Exchange Team additional insight as to the desires of the community.
The County is characterized by its diverse and distinctive landscapes. Along with its people, the countryside is probably its greatest asset, one which should be nurtured for its inestimable value to its residents and the economy, and its potential to sustain and inspire future generations.
This section describes many tools and techniques that can be utilized by local government and citizens to preserve and expand green spaces within the county. You can also explore the potential tax benefits associated with donating conservation easements.
Click on the buttons to the upper left to explore some options available and how other communities have addressed funding issues associated with the open space strategies.
December 5, 2008
COMMISSIONER
SALUTES KENTUCKY FARMERS
FOR RECORD FARM CASH RECEIPTS IN
2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said record farm cash receipts and higher net farm income in 2008 are a tribute to the skill and resolve of Kentucky’s farmers and the impact of the state’s agricultural development efforts.
Kentucky farmers took in an estimated $4.7 billion for farm products this year, topping the 2007 record of $4.43 billion, University of Kentucky economists reported Thursday at the 89th Kentucky Farm Bureau annual meeting in Louisville. Net farm income rose by more than 10 percent, even with significantly higher input costs, the UK economists said. They forecast 2009 farm cash receipts of $4.6 billion.
“Kentucky’s farmers did remarkably well in this economic climate,” Commissioner Farmer said. “They got through this year with hard work and resourcefulness. I commend them for rising above the challenges of the past year.”
Commissioner Farmer said the economic outlook report shows that Kentucky’s investments in agricultural diversification are working. Another UK study, released last month, found that $86 million in tobacco settlement funds invested in individual “non-model” projects from 2001 to 2007 returned $1.87 in new farm income for every dollar invested. The study found that every dollar invested in the Kentucky Proud farm marketing program generated $4.70 in new farm income.
"These investments are producing positive returns at a time when individuals, businesses and even entire industries are suffering great hardship,” Commissioner Farmer said. “The General Assembly was wise to create this program. But we can’t rest on our laurels. This economic situation calls for bold action to k
eep the gains we’ve made and build on them.
“We especially need to maintain and expand the Kentucky Proud program. Consumers increasingly are demanding fresh food made or raised right here at home. There has never been a better time to promote Kentucky Proud products.”
Kentucky Proud generated an estimated $120 million in retail sales of Kentucky products in 2006-07. More than 1,300 farmers, processors, retailers, restaurants, farmers’ markets and state parks are members of Kentucky Proud.
The UK report said cash receipts for livestock were down this year, but crop receipts, buoyed by high prices, rose nearly 40 percent. Cash receipts for vegetables were more than double the level of 10 years ago, and Kentucky growers achieved near-record yields for apples and peaches, the report said.
Oldham County cash receipts totaled more than $27 million in 2006, ranking the county 42nd of 120 Kentucky counties. Total receipts (crops and livestock) grew to an estimated $28.4 million in 2007.
