By Blake Jackson
Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) has recognized Bethany Mattingly of Jefferson County as the winner of its prestigious 2024 Excellence in Agriculture award.
This annual award celebrates individuals or couples under 35 who have significantly contributed to and shown leadership in agriculture and related organizations.
Mattingly, a lifelong advocate for agriculture, grew up on a farm in New Albany, Indiana. Inspired by her family's resilience in the face of urban development, she dedicated her career to educating others about the importance of agriculture.
Mattingly has been instrumental in providing young people with access to agricultural knowledge and promoting the industry's commitment to land stewardship.
As a Kentucky Master Agriculture Teacher and FFA advisor for over a decade, Mattingly has transformed her chapter from a small group of 11 members to a thriving community of over 250.
Under her guidance, students have achieved remarkable success, with nearly all passing industry certifications in plant and environmental science. Beyond her teaching role, Mattingly also manages her own farm, raising sheep and cultivating an orchard.
Mattingly's involvement in KFB has been equally impressive. She has served on the Jefferson County Farm Bureau board of directors and actively participated in various committees, including Women's, Safety, Young Farmer, Education, FFA/4H, and County Projects.
Mattingly leadership extends beyond the local level, as she has represented Kentucky at national Farm Bureau conferences and held positions in the Kentucky Association of Agriculture Educators.
For her exceptional contributions to agriculture, Mattingly will receive a John Deere side-by-side from Farm Credit Mid-America and will represent Kentucky in the national competition at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in January.
Second and third place winners, Kendal Bowman and Austin and Rachel Cole, were also honored with cash prizes.
Photo Credit: kentucky-farm-bureau
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Government & Policy