Yet, Fayette County is not only famous for its thoroughbreds, but also its row crops and livestock.
The Bluegrass Stockyards is also located here in Fayette County, and it largest stockyards East of the Mississippi River.
Kentucky is the largest cattle-producing state east of the Mississippi River. It has over 1.1 million beef cows with an overall cattle inventory of 2.4 million. Cattle producers generated over $561 million in cash sale receipts last year, and this money supports Kentucky beef-producing farm families.
–The Lane Report, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, January 2007.
The Bluegrass Region has the largest assembly of cattle brokers in the United States. Eastern Livestock, the largest order buyer in the nation, has offices in Lexington. S&B Cattle Company and Eugene Barber & Sons are national players that are also based in Lexington.
– Business Lexington, 2007.
In 2006, it had over $144 million in cattle sales, and it sold over 245,000 cattle.
— Bluegrass Stockyards, 2007
In 2005, the sales of Major Crops in Fayette County, including tobacco, corn soybeans, and hay was $12,4 million.
— USDA Annual Report, 2006
As of January 1, 2007 KY had 37,000 sheep and lambs-a 5.7% increase from 2006.
— KY Farm Bureau, 2006
Cattle Farming in the Bluegrass
“Business Lexington TV’s look at one of Lexington’s most valuable assets: its dwindling farmland.”
Business Lexington TV, www.bizlex.com
This video can also be viewed at Business Lexington TV.
