Paul Hornback Receives UK Extension Farm Leadership Award

By Blake Jackson

The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service annually presents the Thomas Poe Cooper Farm Leadership Award to individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership in agriculture, 4-H, family and consumer sciences, or community and economic development.

The award honors the legacy of Thomas Poe Cooper, who served as dean of the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment from 1917 to 1951.

This year’s award was presented to former Kentucky State Senator Paul Hornback in recognition of his long-standing commitment to advancing Kentucky agriculture. Hornback was elected to the Kentucky State Senate in 2010, representing Shelby, Carroll and Trimble counties, along with part of Jefferson County.

During his tenure, Hornback held several influential roles, including Chair of Senate Agriculture, Vice Chair of Senate Licensing and Occupations, and Co-chair of the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee.

“Sen. Hornback has been a mentor to young farmers, a trusted adviser to local officials and a respected advocate for agricultural issues across the state," said Jennifer Hunter, associate dean and director of UK Cooperative Extension. “We are honored to recognize his service to agriculture and to Kentucky.”

While serving in the General Assembly, Hornback remained actively involved in farming, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges faced by producers. His legislative accomplishments include helping reestablish hemp as a legal crop in Kentucky, modernizing the state’s grain indemnity fund, reorganizing the Kentucky State Fair Board and leading the Governor’s Office of Agriculture Policy.

Hornback also played a key role in supporting the UK Research and Education Center at Princeton, helping secure a $15 million investment for the Grain and Forage Center for Excellence and a $9 million donation following the 2021 Western Kentucky tornadoes.

“This recognition is such an honor,” Hornback said. “I think the world of Martin-Gatton CAFE and the Extension service. All my life we’ve depended on them for what we do — farmers, homemakers, everyone. They keep the public connected.”

Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky