Beech Tree News Network

At least 143 registered guests assembled on the lawn of Banock Masonic Lodge 824 F&AM Thursday afternoon for the annual Butler County Field Day for agriculture.

“I want to call up the (sort of) mayor of Banock to welcome you,” said Extension agent Greg Drake as he invited long time resident, Forest Taylor, to speak. “There’s only one man in the community that would claim to be a senior to me and he bypassed the opportunity to welcome you,” stated Taylor as he shared his vast knowledge of the area. Taylor, who recently received a 65 year Masonic pin, stated that the area of assembly was once the site of a general merchandise grocery store. “If you have the luck here that I’ve had, you will live forever,” remarked Taylor.

Speaking next was a former FFA officer for both Butler County and Kentucky, who is currently a candidate for National FFA office, Chelsea Daugherty. Daugherty, an advocate for farmers, gave advice on ways each farmer in the group can present agriculture’s story.

Ryan Daugherty, president of Butler County Young Farmers reported there are about 40 members at present. Membership is available for all ages as well as all sizes of operation. The next “get together” is September 21 at the Hawes community building.

Kent Moore, board member of the state FFA Foundation, challenged the group to be a part of an opportunity to honor William “Mr. Bill” Hampton. Hampton, a former agriculture educator at BCHS, has recently passed away. In his honor, he has been nominated to become part of the Ag Teachers Change Lives program of the Kentucky FFA Foundation. (See the separate story in Beechtreenews.com.)

Speaking on the importance of Agriculture Water Quality Plans, Amanda Arnold, who is with the Butler County Conservation District, reminded everyone of who must comply. Farming or tree harvesting operations that total 10 acres or more and that are physically connected are required to have such a plan according to Arnold.

Transportation by way of hay wagons carried participants to a total of four timely farm demonstrations and discussions. Those who remained at the lodge included an alternate program of “decorating cake carriers using a cricut,” lead by Shanna Drake, Ky Division of Conservation and Tracy Thornton, FCS Agent and 4-H members who helped 4-H agent Lloyd G. Saylor cook the evening meal.

Story by Roger Southerland, Beech Tree News/WLBQ

Photos by Andy Sullivan, Beech Tree News/WLBQ