Caleb Smithson KFB award recipient

By Blake Jackson

Caleb Smithson from Butler County has been honored with the 2023 KFB Excellence in Agriculture Award by the Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB). This recognition is part of KFB's annual tradition of awarding outstanding individuals or couples under the age of 35 who actively contribute to the agriculture community and demonstrate growth in leadership through their involvement in Farm Bureau and related civic organizations. To qualify for this award, the candidates should not primarily rely on income derived from traditional farming-associated production risks.

Caleb Smithson serves as the Assistant Agriculture Manager and Lead Sales Agronomist at a local family-owned farm service. His responsibilities include overseeing seed supply, allocations, shipments, and managing seed transactions at the facility. During his college years, Smithson concentrated his studies on agronomy, gaining valuable experience managing a fertilizer facility. His passion for agronomy led him to organize an agronomic field day, providing farmers with an in-depth understanding of agronomy practices.

In addition to his active role in the farming industry, Smithson is deeply involved in Farm Bureau activities at the local, state, and national levels.

Since 2017, he has served as the young farmer chair for his county. Smithson consistently participates in the KFB State Annual Meeting and has received numerous accolades through his involvement with the Farm Bureau. Furthermore, he actively contributes to his church, community, and university alumni association.

As the recipient of this prestigious award, Caleb Smithson will receive cash credit to purchase a John Deere product of his choice, generously provided by Farm Credit Mid-America. He will also represent Kentucky in the national contest, which will take place at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in January.

Matthew and Kelsey Chadwick from Calloway County secured the second-place position in the competition, earning a prize of $400 from KFB. The third place was awarded to Courtney Jenkins from Morgan County, who received $300 courtesy of KFB. These recognitions celebrate the valuable contributions of young individuals in Kentucky's agriculture sector.

Photo Credit: Kentucky Farm Bureau