Farmer Moving to Kentucky (Lexington, Louisville: insurance, construction, private school)

[em266]

Hi,

I am looking to move to Kentucky. I work full time in construciton and love farming on the side.

I would like to be driving distance from Lexington or Louisville.

What crops do the best (I like to grow Alfalfa /hay)? And any suggestions on where to get some acreage and raise a family. My kids are still young and good schools are important even if we have to go to a private school.

Thanks in advance

[heatwave13]

Hey there,

Tobacco and corn grow really well in central KY. Most any general vegetable crops should do well there, but tobacco rules. For acreage within driving distance of Lexington, I would look at Woodford county, Mercer county, Madison county, etc.

South of Louisville, you could look for info on Hardin county, Shelby, Bullitt, etc. Each of these places/counties around Louisville and Lexington still retain a somewhat open and rural feel, but yet are still not too bad of a drive away from town when you need to go.

[nalabama]

Almost all my male first cousins (and some of the females) are either full or parttime farmers in Franklin (Frankfort) or Scott (Georgetown) counties. Beautiful land, varied topography, fertile soil, and a decent chance of significant property appreciation in the coming years. Easy commutes to Lexington or Louisville. I'd do it if I could! Good luck in your search.

[traysea]

I get down there on business and frequently take the back roads into town and the "little" towns with farms are still out there with decent proximity to the towns of Lexington and Georgtown.

The values are still low and I do think they will continue to rise as more people settle within those areas.

Good luck! Sounds like it would be a lot of hard work and fun to raise a family on a farm.

Tracey

[em266]

Thanks for the advice.

Maby you could also tell me how the schools in Franklin and Scott Counties are? Which of those areaa is growing or are they about staying the same?

[nalabama]

Just a quick response to last question: from what I've seen on the forum, Frankfort is staying relatively stable in population (and that's a good thing!!) and Georgetown is experiencing more rapid growth. Schools: my cousins' kids have excelled at the state universities they attended, so I have to believe the schools are pretty good.

[majors]

well there are many parts of KY that make great farm land, KY soils support many types of crops: corn, soybeans, wheat, tabacco is a big one, but is hard to get tabacco base any more . dont ask me what KY number 1 cash crop is, cause you might not want to know

[US_UK]

An ideal place to look for help and information on what grows best where in Kentucky is the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. Their Extension outreach is available in each of the state's 120 counties. Follow the link below and click on the county for an e-mail link to an Ag agent who can make smart recommendations
http://www.ca.uky.edu/county/

[kimmieyky]

I wish so much I could really help you in this area - but the only suggestions I have to discover the Farming issues in Kentucky is to contact Kentucky Farm Bureau.

http://www.kyfb.com/index.asp

They are primarily an insurance company designed to cover farmers needs - but I have friends who are a part of this organization and they do all sorts of things.

They will be able to give you locations, crop info, etc. - and can assist you with relocation, etc.

I really think this is the best place to start - wish I could help more! Oh, and as far as the construction is concerned - there is quite an upswing of building starts - the weather is the only factor at the moment - but you can contact the Kentucky Stae District of Carpenters:

http://www.glbctc.org/KSDCCweb.htm - they will have all info I would think you need to get into construction in the area, with lisitngs of businesses and contractors.

Good luck - KimmieyKY - contact me if I can be of anymore help! I can google search pretty quickly!!