By Blake Jackson
Kentucky's Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties, despite being near the Cincinnati metropolitan area, have a long history of agriculture. These counties are home to over 1,600 farms and 138,847 acres of farmland.
Being close to a large city has its challenges for farmers. Farmers like Bob Schwenke struggle with traffic congestion when moving farm equipment. However, there are also advantages. The proximity to Cincinnati allows farmers to reach grain elevators quickly and sell their produce to a large population.
Some Kentucky farms are traditional, like Schwenke's row crop farm, while others have embraced diversification. Art and Becky Darnell's farm raises cattle and hay but also has a wedding venue. The Neltner family farm grows vegetables and offers agri-tourism activities like a pumpkin patch and corn maze.
These Kentucky farms benefit from the growing population around them. The Darnells' wedding venue thrives due to the large number of people in the area. Neltner's farm attracts visitors seeking a taste of the country near the city. Kentucky farmers are finding ways to adapt and thrive despite the challenges of being close to a metropolitan area.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dmytro-diedov
Categories: Kentucky, General