Despite these incredible statistics, we are losing the factory floor of the thoroughbred, general agriculture, and agritourism industries in Fayette County to urban sprawl.
Between 1997-2002, we lost 19,508 agricultural acres in Fayette County.
– 2005 USDA Annual Report.
And it is estimated that we lose 137 acres of prime agricultural land in the inner Bluegrass Region each day to urban sprawl.
– USA Today, “Houses vs. Horses, November 3, 2005
Sprawl also has affected the national agricultural landscape. Since 1997, over 6,000,000 acres were taken out of agricultural use, and developed.
–Progressive Farmer, March 2008.
This trend jeopardizes U.S. food security. In 2006, the US for the first time in history imported more food products than it exported.
–Chris Duerksen, “Saving the World Through Zoning”, APA, January 2008
This is an alarming trend, considering that by 2030, China will demand more food alone than the entire world produces today.
–Lester Brown, “Plan B: Rescuing A Planet Under Stress and A Civilization in Trouble”
This troubling trend has not only alarmed the average Lexingtonian, but also the international community.
In 2005, the World Monument Fund designated the inner Bluegrass Region, including Fayette County, as one of the 100 most endangered sites in the world.
– The Lexington Herald Leader, “A Case For Preservation”, June 22, 2005
It’s clear that Fayette County Bluegrass and its agricultural industries are under attack.
Agriculture is here for one reason- the soil.
Our topography in Fayette County consists of Maury Silt Loam soil associations. These associations are considered prime soils for row crops, equine and livestock production, and pasture land.
– U.K. Dept. of Landscape Architecture, “The Bluegrass Region: A Finite Resource, 1999.
They are located all of over Fayette County, North South East and West.
- Lower South Elkhorn: 774 acres consisting of prime agricultural or core equine agricultural land.
- Man O’ War: 89% is core equine agricultural or prime agricultural land.
- Old Frankfort Pike: 99% are core equine agricultural or prime agricultural land.
- Ironworks Pike: 37% of land is core equine agricultural or prime agricultural land.
- Avon/I-64: Over 70% is core equine agricultural or prime agricultural land.
- Delong Road/Richmond Road: Over 82% is core equine agricultural or prime agricultural land.
For Fayette County soil map, please click here (image).
For Fayette County soil descriptions, please click here (PDF)
Fayette County Bluegrass is truly a finite geological treasure, and they aren’t making any more of it.
Our farms can’t simply move away and maintain similar livestock quality standards and production rates, when urban sprawl encroaches on their borders.
To move away and cope with urban sprawl will drive many farmers out of business because its tough to make a profit-even under perfect conditions.
For instance, in 2003, average expenses exceeded revenues by $10,000 on Fayette County farms.
– Dr. Timothy a. Woods, Agri-business Task Force Study, 2005
According to local farmers, urban sprawl and local politicians’ lack of appreciation for the industry are biggest challenges facing farming today.
– Dr. Timothy a. Woods, Agri-business Task Force Study, 2005
By all accounts, an expansion of the urban service boundary will undermine Fayette County’s $3 billion dollar agriculture and agritourism industries.
