By Blake Jackson
The Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) has announced Ryan Bivens of LaRue County as its 2024 Generation Bridge Advocate of the Year. This prestigious award honors individuals aged 36 to 49 who exemplify leadership within Farm Bureau, engage actively in their community, and champion agriculture at local, state, and federal levels.
Bivens began his farming journey in 1994 with just 34 acres of rented land in Spencer County, growing soybeans. By 2002, he had moved to LaRue County, where he and his wife, Misty, established Fresh Start Farms.
Today, the couple operates a thriving business, managing corn, soybean, and wheat production on owned and leased farmland across two counties in Central Kentucky.
Bivens oversees operations, including staff management, resource allocation, and grain storage facilities capable of holding 1.4 million bushels. The couple has two sons, Cyrus and Avery.
Throughout his career, Bivens has built strong connections with elected officials at local, state, and national levels. His farm often serves as a venue for significant events, such as town hall meetings, field days, and listening sessions, attracting attendees from students and community members to leaders like the Kentucky Joint Interim Ag Committee and the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Fresh Start Farms has also hosted community events, including the LaRue County Farm Bureau AgStravaganza, which welcomed over 1,000 residents for an evening of education, food, and entertainment.
Additional events include local FFA’s Ag Appreciation Day, the Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet, and safety training sessions. Bivens regularly visits schools to inspire future generations about farming as a career.
For over two decades, Bivens has been an active member of the LaRue County Farm Bureau board, holding roles such as Young Farmer Chair, Vice President, and President.
Bivens has also been instrumental in organizing the countywide agriculture tour and farm-to-table dinners.
“Ryan is extremely deserving of this award,” said Dale Dobson, LaRue County Farm Bureau President. “I really can’t think of a better advocate for agriculture not only in LaRue County, but in the state of Kentucky and the nation. He is not only an exemplary farmer, but he is a model of what good advocating about agriculture should look like. He is an amazing person, who we are happy to have as a part of our county Farm Bureau board.”
Photo Credit: kentucky-farm-bureau
Categories: Kentucky, Business