Tag: Small Farms

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Sunday Supper for Family Farms: Setting the Table for What’s Possible

CFA-Staff

It was the kind of evening that felt meaningful from the moment guests stepped through the door.

At Holly Hill Inn, a place known for its Kentucky roots and thoughtful, locally inspired cuisine our amazing friends, farmers, and supporters gathered for Sunday Supper for Family Farms. Together we shared a meal and a shared commitment to the future of family farms.

Setting the Table

Around 80 guests filled the space with conversation, laughter, and a sense of connection that’s hard to manufacture but easy to recognize. Old friends reunited, new faces found their place at the table, and throughout the room, you could feel something steady and growing— community.

Guests got to take tours of the gardens at Holly Hill Inn thanks to their on staff farmer, David Wagoner, and enjoy a delicious farm to table supper of a Kentucky classic– soup beans and cornbread.

But this wasn’t just a supper. It was a reminder of what happens when people come together with purpose. At its heart, Sunday Supper was about more than raising funds— it was about telling a story 40 years in the making.

Through shared conversation and time together, guests reflected on the work of Community Farm Alliance: organizing, advocating, and building a stronger future for Kentucky’s family farms. The evening offered a glimpse of what’s possible when that work is supported— when farmers, neighbors, and advocates all have a seat at the table.

Sowing Gratitude

Thanks to the generosity of those who bought tickets and participated in the silent auction, the evening raised between $3,000–$5,000 to support that ongoing work.

Guests, both in-person and virtually, go to bid on experiences like a milkmaid session from Slak Market Farms, a cabin stay from Red River Gorgeous, tickets to Paris Story Fest, and a hands-on workshop at The Berry Center just to name a few. We are so thankful for the farmers and local businesses who donated those amazing items.

Each bid, each conversation, each shared laugh added up to something bigger than any one moment.

What lingers most from the evening isn’t just what was raised— it’s what was built.

A table where longtime members and first-time supporters got to sit side by side and share a meal. A space to honor the past while looking toward the future. A feeling of momentum, rooted in connection and carried forward by everyone in the room.

We’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined us; those who traveled near and far, those who gave generously, and those who continue to believe in the power of community-led change.

And to the team at Holly Hill Inn for creating such a warm and welcoming space to gather.

What Comes Next

Sunday Supper was one night, but it’s part of a much longer story.

Because of this community, Community Farm Alliance can keep showing up— for farmers, for families, and for the future of agriculture in Kentucky.

And we hope you’ll stay part of what comes next.

If you are not currently a CFA member or need to renew your membership, please consider doing so to help the future of Kentucky agriculture grow. Become one here: UQuyjX37s0SMQD1dnjEVwg2

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Ballew Farms Mentorship Program

CFA-Staff

Something Special Is Taking Root at Ballew Farms

The Ballew family has launched a campaign to support their ACES Cooperative Farming Program, an initiative focused on helping new and aspiring farmers access mentorship, shared equipment, and hands-on learning opportunities.

ACES, which stands for Agricultural Community & Education Services, is designed to build pathways into farming by connecting beginning farmers with experienced growers, shared resources, and real opportunities to learn the skills needed to steward land and build sustainable farm businesses. Programs like this are especially important as new farmers face barriers to land access, equipment, and technical support.

This effort is also about continuing and sharing generations of agricultural knowledge. The Ballew family — a family of Black farmers — is working to make sure that farming wisdom, community connection, and opportunities in agriculture continue to grow for the next generation.

Supporting the campaign means investing in people, land, and the future of local food systems. It’s a way to help expand access to tools, mentorship, and cooperative support that can make farming more accessible for new producers.

Learn more and support the project here:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ballewfarms/ballew-farms-farmer-mentorship-program

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2026 Eastern Kentucky Farmer Conference 

CFA-Staff

The last weekend of February brought sunny skies and 200 Eastern Kentucky Farmer Conference attendees to Corbin. Farmers, aspiring farmers, technical assistance providers, students, and others gathered at The Corbin Center to learn and network – and enjoy some delicious food prepared by farmer and chef, Kristin Smith (The Wrigley Taproom & Eatery).  

After last year’s interest in onsite learning, the conference offered two pre-conference activities: 

  • A field day at Sustainable Harvest Farm where Ford Waterstrat and staff from  Mountain Associationand Kentucky Horticulture Council shared how they worked together to create energy and on-farm water projects which have helped Ford grow his operation and led a tour of those projects for attendees to see them first hand. (see OAK’s social media post on this field day)
  • A tour of the Wilderness Trail Area Marketing Alliance which supports cattle, sheep, and goat producers by reducing transportation costs to market, providing space for health screenings, and hosting Extension-led workshops focused on improving livestock care, health, and market profitability.

Over the course of a day and a half, farmers, technical assistance providers, and university faculty led 18 workshops focused on horticulture and livestock production and the business of farming. Participants left with pages of notes and heads full of new ideas after learning how Maggie Bowling adapted strawberry plasticulture production to her farm, the nutrient rich recipes Robert Jones uses to keep his bees heathy over the winter, and how Chad Conway has adapted his farming operation to more resiliently withstand extreme weather events. Just down the hallway, staff from Pine Mountain Settlement School were preparing the next generation of farmers with sessions geared to school aged youth. 

New to the conference this year was a round table discussion on cut flower production in the mountains led by three cut flower farmers where the room was almost standing room only – emphasizing the need for additional education and support for cut flower production in eastern Kentucky. 

Appalachian Regional Healthcare’s mobile unit offered free health screenings to participants while Raising Hope’s mobile unit provided farm safety resources and mental health support. In addition, 25 other organizations serving eastern Kentucky farmers set up in the conference exhibit hall to provide information and resources to attendees. (see social media post from ARH employees)

Mealtimes served as both an opportunity to network with other farmers and to be inspired. Friday evening, Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Warren Beeler shared stories of farming from across the Commonwealth, recognizing the hard work farmers do to feed our communities. Saturday’s lunch featured a panel of women farmers and writers reading pieces they wrote, and which are featured in Rooted, Resilient, Rising: Women Growing Food Across the Mountains, an anthology edited by Amy Le Ann Richardson which will be published soon by University Press of Kentucky. One conference participant noted, “The panel of women at lunch was an unexpected and intimate look into Appalachian women farmers. It made everything seem more woman friendly as these events can be heavily man based and focused.”

Launched at the 2023 Eastern Kentucky Farmer Conference, awards are presented each year to organizations and individuals nominated by attendees for their work and impact on farming in eastern Kentucky. This year, the following were recognized:

  • Outstanding Farmer Ally – Accelerating Appalachia (their social media on this award)
    • In the words of one farmer who nominated them: “They provide outstanding financial support to farmers, are dedicated to serving BIPOC farmers, and have a deep commitment to regenerative soil.”
  • Outstanding Farmer Resource – Brett Wolfe, Center for Crop Diversification
    • An excerpt from one nomination: “Whether developing new tools, adapting swiftly in response to challenges like COVID-19, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, or leading CCD to new heights, Brett exemplifies the very essence of being an outstanding farmer resource.”
  • Outstanding Farmer Mentor – Jeff & Sue Howard, Howard Farms
    • From one of their nominations: “They are always more than happy to mentor people who need it and…willing to host field days and share information about their experiences. They are very easy to talk to and will give their time to help solve your problems.”

Attendees left the conference inspired, excited, exhausted, and full of new ideas. Some even left with door prizes. One attendee noted, “I think it was an amazing experience and very helpful!” while a first-time conference attendee said they “had a good time networking and learning.” The planning team (Community Farm Alliance, KCARD, Grow Appalachia, UK Horticulture, and Pine Mountain Settlement School) is already working on the 2027 Eastern Kentucky Farmer Conference, so stay up-to-date by following the conference on Facebook or checking out our landing page.

Social media mentions:

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Board Member Spotlight: Kurt Mason

CFA-Staff

Agriculture has been part of Kurt Mason’s life for as long as he can remember. Growing up on a farm shaped how he sees land, community, and the people who make our food system work. Today, Kurt continues that connection as a board member with Community Farm Alliance (CFA) and as the owner of a farm in Georgetown, Kentucky.

Kurt’s Role in the Food and Farm System

Kurt grew up on a farm where his family raised beef cattle and tobacco and worked closely with organizations like the Farm Service Agency and Cooperative Extension. His farmland is in Scott County, and while it is still a working hay and cattle farm, Kurt lives in Louisville and can’t be involved hands-on as much as he likes. While he’s not able to farm the land day-to-day, he still sees himself as part of the broader food system by making sure the land stays in agricultural use.

“I’m one of those folks that helps provide land that’s accessible for farming and for the production of food and fiber.”

Right now, that means making sure the land continues to support agriculture and the farmers who rely on it. Instead of letting the land sit idle, Kurt made the decision to lease the farm to a younger farmer—giving someone else the opportunity to stay engaged in agriculture while keeping the land in production. For Kurt, it’s one way to help keep farming going for the next generation.

“I try to help younger people understand the opportunities and challenges they’re going to face in agriculture.”

Kurt was first introduced to Community Farm Alliance through his parents, who engaged with CFA while helping develop a farmers’ market in Scott County. Through those conversations, he started to learn more about the organization and its work supporting farmers and rural communities.

The Impact

Through his involvement with CFA, Kurt says his perspective on agriculture has grown and evolved. 

“The face of farming is changing. CFA helps people engage in something they truly love, even if they didn’t always have the avenues to do it.”

CFA helps farmers—especially smaller farmers—connect with resources, opportunities, and one another. As a CFA board member, Kurt sees part of his role as helping guide the organization and make sure it continues to serve farmers well. He’s seen firsthand how many agricultural programs historically benefited larger farms, while smaller farmers—especially those working other jobs—often missed out on opportunities.

“CFA gives farmers a voice—especially the smaller farmers who traditionally didn’t have one.”

That kind of advocacy and connection is something he believes is deeply important.

What Kurt Wants Others to Know

For Kurt, agriculture is about relationships just as much as it is about land. 

“So much of the success in agriculture comes down to how well you’re connected to the resources around you—and CFA does an excellent job bringing people and opportunities together.”

And that’s exactly what keeps him involved—helping make sure farmers across Kentucky have the support, connections, and voice they deserve. 

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From Kentucky to Capitol Hill: Carrying Farmers’ Voices Forward

CFA-Staff

Advocating for farmers doesn’t start in Washington—it starts in the fields, in early mornings, and in the lived experiences of those who grow our food every day.

For Community Farm Alliance, participating in the National Family Farm Coalition (NFFC) DC Fly-In was an opportunity to bring those experiences directly to policymakers. As Sandra Ballew Barnes shared, “Being on the Hill; sharing our farmers’ stories, is a crucial step in bringing the farmers’ voice in the room.” Meeting with Kentucky’s congressional delegation ensured that the needs of small-scale farmers back home were not just acknowledged, but heard.

For Farmer Liaison Kenya Abraham, the experience was both fast-paced and deeply meaningful.

Spending a day and a half on Capitol Hill felt like “speed dating”—a whirlwind of back-to-back meetings where small groups had just 30 minutes to make their case to congressional staff. Each conversation required focus, coordination, and clarity. Teams prepared in advance, studying detailed “playbooks” on each office and aligning their strategy before stepping into meetings.

Once inside, the conversation moved quickly—like a volleyball match—passing ideas and stories between advocates before delivering them across the table. The goal was simple but powerful: ensure that the realities farmers face every day were understood by those shaping policy.

But beyond the logistics and strategy, Kenya described advocacy as something much deeper.

“Being an advocate for farmers… feels like carrying something living,” she wrote.
 It means carrying early mornings in the dark, the weight of uncertainty in markets and weather, and the generational knowledge embedded in the land. It means representing not just policy positions, but livelihoods, risks, and dignity.

Walking into the “polished halls with marbled walls,” advocates stood at the intersection of soil and statute—translating lived experience into policy language. The results weren’t always immediate. Some meetings left participants energized and hopeful; others underscored how slow change can be. Most left them simply tired.

And yet, the experience remained profoundly important.

“It’s an honor to do this work,” Kenya reflected, emphasizing the importance of F.O.C.U.S—Fixed On Change Until Success.

For CFA, the Fly-In reinforced a core truth: advocacy is not just about policy. It’s about people. And ensuring that the voices of Kentucky farmers continue to shape the decisions that impact their futures.

Kenya left us with this moving recollection of the trip:

The Fly-in Experience with NFFC
Being an advocate for farmers with NFFC feels like carrying something living.
There’s such a huge weight to it.
You’re not just representing a policy or a position.
We are carrying early mornings in the dark,
and heavy feed buckets in the cold wind.
We carry our hands in the soil.
We carry the risk of drought and the gamble of markets.
We carry the prayer over seeds.
We carry families who have built something slowly.
We carry our heritage.
We carry risk and our loss.
And Always, We Carry Dignity.
Entering those polished halls with marbled walls, we stand at the intersection of soil and statute.
Sometimes you leave energized! – Feeling heard, respected, and hopeful.
Sometimes you leave frustrated! – Knowing how slow systems move, and you’re just pushing
along at a hamster wheel.
Mostly you leave tired! – Because it is absolutely exhausting to try and translate this lived reality
into policy language.
But we should always leave with pride! – Pride because I know that I’ve carried the fields into the
halls of power and made them listen, without leaving my boots at the door.
It is an honor to do this work with NFFC and may we continue to stay on FOCUS.

Fixed On Change Until Success
Kenya Abraham, Farmer Liaison
SLAK Market Farm LLC, Lexington, Kentucky

Interested in learning more about CFA’s policy work or getting involved? Stay connected and join us in advocating for farmers across Kentucky.

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