Brooks Family Named 2025 Kentucky Small Farmers of Year

By Blake Jackson

For nearly 100 years, the Brooks family has worked the same piece of land in Richmond, Kentucky, maintaining a deep-rooted commitment to agriculture and community service. Today, Anthony and Eymlin Brooks are carrying that tradition forward strengthening their farm while helping ensure that local families have access to fresh food.

Their dedication was recognized when the couple was named 2025 Small Farmers of the Year during the evening banquet of the 27th annual Kentucky Small Farmers Conference, held Nov. 20 at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Frankfort.

The event, hosted by Kentucky State University’s College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources along with the Land Grant Program, draws nearly 200 farmers, vendors, and university representatives each year.

TurnerBrooks Farm began in 2017 with a single acre of industrial hemp. Over time, the operation has grown substantially and now includes cow-calf pairs, meat goats, laying hens, tomatoes raised in a high tunnel, and a stocked pond.

The Brooks family markets livestock through Bluegrass Stockyards and supplies vegetables to local retailers, while also partnering with Feed America to distribute fresh produce to families in need.

Beyond farming, the couple has become strong leaders in Kentucky’s agricultural community. They have hosted pasture renovation demonstrations, welcomed MANRRS students for tours, participated in conferences, and remain active in educational programs offered by Kentucky State University and the University of Kentucky.

“We want to carry forward a tradition of farming in our community. This land has belonged to our family for nearly a century, and we hope to teach young people both self-reliance and the many career possibilities in agriculture,” said Eymlin.

Anthony continues that commitment by inviting students to learn on the farm. “I reach back to my alma mater to give students a real-world farm setting to bridge classroom lessons with experience,” he said.

Officials praised the family for their resilience, stewardship, and willingness to support future generations of farmers.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-artiemedvedev