6AM City In-house

Development

Kentucky’s growing farmland crisis
Presented by a LEXtoday Partner
Farmland and a housing development
The development of subdivisions and large-lot housing threatens the future of farming. | Photo provided by Fayette Alliance
3,200. That’s roughly how many Kentucky farms could be lost by the year 2040. We’re digging into why — and what KY can do about it.

The ground that supplies our increasing global population with nourishment does more than feed us. When stewarded well, farmland and ranch land can store carbon in its soil, protect water quality, and provide a habitat for diverse wildlife and native species.

The development of scattered subdivisions and large-lot housing threatens these benefits by fragmenting the agricultural land base. This type of development also limits land available to purchase and can reduce marketing and management options for existing farms and ranches. If this trend continues, ~3,200 KY farms could be lost by the year 2040.

Farms Under Threat 2040: Choosing an Abundant Future, a report conducted by the American Farmland Trust, maps out three potential development outcomes based on land development trends from 2001-2016. Factors studied include state policy, historical and current development trends, and land distribution.

Here’s what they learned, by the numbers:
  • 456,500: The acreage of Kentucky farmland (or a loss of $183 million and an estimated 7,600 jobs) if a “business as usual” approach continues without any change.
  • 639,000: The acreage of land converted if a “Runaway Sprawl” situation occurs and low-density housing continues to displace farmers and ranchers at a more rapid pace.
The good news?
  • 389,700: The acreage of Kentucky farmland that can be saved (the equivalent of 2,700 farms, $149 million in farmland output, and 6,300 jobs) by opting for “Better Built Cities” (think: more housing in urban and highly-developed areas) where policymakers and land-use planners promote compact development and reduce sprawl.
Farmers and communities are taking to action to protect farmland and strengthen opportunities for agriculture. Farmers and landowners can learn more here and community leaders can get help here. Learn how one family is committed to protecting 2,200 acres of farmland in Kentucky and Indiana here.*
GET INVOLVED + LEARN MORE
This content was created in partnership with American Farmland Trust.*

What could a “business as usual” approach to development result in?

A. Conversion of 456,400 acres of farmland
B. Loss of up to $183 million
C. Loss of 7,600 jobs based on county averages
D. All of the above

See the answer in the Wrap.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
6AM City In-house

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Monday, Jan. 9
  • What’s Moving at Dusk? | Monday, Jan. 9 | 5 p.m. | Hisle Farm Park, 3551 Briar Hill Rd., Lexington | Free | Join Parks & Rec staff for a walk through Hisle Park for nighttime wildlife spotting and picturesque sunsets.
Tuesday, Jan. 10
  • Modern Western Square Dance Lessons | Tuesday, Jan. 10-Tuesday, March 21 | 7-9 p.m. | Southern Heights Baptist Church, 3408 Clays Mill Rd., Lexington | $60 | Bring a friend or come solo and learn how to square dance from the experienced team at Do Si Dos Lexington in this 24-session series.
Wednesday, Jan. 11
  • Bullet Journals for the New Year, Part 1 | Wednesday, Jan. 11 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Eastside Branch, 3000 Blake James Dr., Lexington | Free | This two-part series will help you with your organizational goals by teaching you to create your own notebooks and learn the art of bullet journaling.
Thursday, Jan. 12
  • Jazz at the Library | Thursday, Jan. 12| 7-9 p.m. | Central Library, 140 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | Enjoy live music from the UK jazz greats of The Osland/Dailey Jazztet.
Friday, Jan. 13
  • Planetarium Show: Two Small Pieces of Glass | Friday, Jan. 13 | 4 p.m. | Living Arts & Science Center, 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lexington | $5 | Take a look back at the history of telescopes and how we observe the universe beyond our planet in the Farish Planetarium.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather
  • 45º | Partly cloudy | 8% chance of rain
Coming Soon
  • A new taco joint is coming to the Distillery District in the former Middle Fork spot. Desperados is expected to open this spring or summer with a menu full of fresh tacos, salsas, and hundreds of mezcals and tequilas. The space is currently being updated to include an indoor/outdoor patio. 🌮 (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Community
  • After the specially-called commission meeting late last month, LEXPARK has made some adjustments to its previously announced meter rates. Maximum hours for metered parking will now be four hours, after 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The Saturday maximum hourly rate will now be $1 instead of $2.
  • The 2023 Central Kentucky Job Club schedule has been released. Job Club is a partnership between the UK Alumni Association, Fayette County Cooperative Extension Services, and UK Human Resources STEPS Temporary Employment, and aims to provide a positive environment for job seekers to meet, connect, and network. 💼 (UK NOW)
Cause
  • Throughout the month of January, both locations of DV8 Kitchen are collecting donations of new and gently used tennis shoes to raise awareness of human trafficking. The donations will be given to the local nonprofit Natalie’s Sisters which provides respite and resources to those affected by trafficking and exploitation. 👟 (FOX56)
Development
  • Developers are now able to apply for a zero-interest loan of up to $500,000 from the city’s Infrastructure Fund. In an effort to grow jobs and protect green space, Mayor Linda Gorton has set aside $3 million for developers for infill or privately funded redevelopment projects. Read more about the program. 🏗️
Travel
Eat
  • Looking to mix up your weekly dinner menu? This savory, plant-based recipe is packed with protein and perfect for Meatless Monday. 🍳*
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Remembering + honoring MLK

Martin Luther King Celebrations return to downtown
A large group of people marching down the street with an MLK banner
MLK March on January 21, 2019 in Lexington, Ky. | | Photo by Mark Cornelison
After a two-year hiatus, the annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration is returning to downtown Lexington on Monday, Jan. 16.

This year marks 50 years of the event, making it one of the oldest in the US. The first iteration was held in 1973 as a candle-lit march through UK’s campus.

The theme for 2023 is “MLK Holiday 50th Anniversary: A Half Century of Lighting Candles of Hope Against The Threat of Darkness.” Here’s how you can join in honoring the legacy and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Schedule of events 🗓️

  • Freedom March | 1 p.m. | The walk will begin and end at Central Bank Center traveling along Vine and Main Streets.
  • Commemorative Program | 2 p.m. | We’ll be joined by keynote speaker Dr. David Hall, President of the University of Virgin Islands and legal scholar known internationally for his social justice work. The day will also include a special performance from Uniting Voices Chicago.
6AM City In-house
THE WRAP
Answered: D. All of the above could be possible if changes aren’t made to the way we think about land development.

Today’s issue was written by Molly.

Editor’s pick: Calling all bagel lovers. 🥯 We’re on the hunt for the best bagels in Lexington and we need your help. Tell me your favorite shop + menu item and it might just appear in an upcoming newsletter.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Get your winter gardening tips, here.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Molly Thompson, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Marin Fiske | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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