Written by Jeania Perry, Director of Human Resources, East Kentucky Network dba Appalachian Wireless

The Leadership Kentucky Class of 2024 embarked on its third session from August 21-23 in the heart of Christian County—one of Kentucky’s most agriculturally rich regions. Our journey in Hopkinsville offered a deep dive into the essential agriculture and military sectors that shape our state and nation.

Day 1: Immersed in Agriculture

We began our experience with a closer look at the agricultural backbone of Kentucky. We were fortunate to hear from Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture, Jonathan Shell, who shared his vision for the state’s future, particularly focusing on the innovative “Food Is Medicine” initiative in collaboration with the Kentucky Hospital Association.

Next our group hit the ground running, touring agricultural operations throughout Hopkinsville. David Buchanan, General Manager of Agri-Chem, provided an interesting tour of their facility, highlighting how technology-driven crop fertilization and protection are revolutionizing modern farming. Our exploration continued at Donnie Dixon’s tobacco farm, where we observed the process of harvesting burley and dark leaf tobacco—two crops deeply ingrained in Kentucky’s agricultural identity. We concluded the day at Harvey Zimmerman’s dairy and beef cattle farm, where the pride and dedication of Kentucky’s farmers were palpable. These families and businesses embody the spirit of “Kentucky Proud,” a sentiment that resonated with each of us.

To cap off the day, we were welcomed with true Southern hospitality to the home of Elizabeth McCoy, CEO of Planters Bank and a proud 1995 graduate of Leadership Kentucky. Her home became a gathering place for reflections and camaraderie, setting the tone for the days ahead.

Day 2: Pride and Patriotism at Ft. Campbell

Our second day took us to Ft. Campbell, where the sense of duty and patriotism was inspiring. We were honored to meet with military leaders, including MAJ Kyle Volle and COL Travis McIntosh, who provided insight into the crucial role Ft. Campbell plays in our national defense.

A highlight of the day was our visit to the Sabalauski Air Assault School, where SFC Matthew Conrad and Team 2 guided us through a hands-on experience—rappelling down the same wall that soldiers tackle during training. We also had the privilege of meeting with COL Christopher Cook, MAJ Amanda Fonk, Tom Mattingly, and SFC Nicholas Hoehn to learn about the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the “Night Stalkers.” Their motto, “time on target plus or minus 30 seconds,” exemplifies their extraordinary precision and dedication. Our visit ended at the 160th SOAR memorial wall, where we witnessed firsthand the sacrifices made by these brave soldiers and the enduring legacy they left behind.

The day concluded with an evening at Casey Jones Distillery, where Justice Bill Cunningham shared stories from his book On Bended Knees, detailing the dramatic history of the Kentucky and Tennessee tobacco wars and the secret organization Night Riders. The evening also featured two engaging class panels—one focused on legal expertise (with classmates Lexy Holland, Janie McKenzie Wells, Rebecca Simpson, and Tanner Watkins) and another on tourism and the arts (featuring Mary Quinn Ramer and Julie Roberts), showcasing the diverse talents within our group.

Day 3: Fostering Agricultural Leadership

Our final day began at the Christian County Extension Office, where we were once again greeted with the warmth of Kentucky hospitality. We learned from Jason Hassert of Big Power Video about the impactful role media can play in promoting the positive aspects of agriculture. A dynamic panel discussion followed, featuring agricultural leaders such as David Brame of Brame Farms, Joseph Sisk of Sisk Farms, and Wayne Hunt, CEO of H&R Agri-Power. Moderated by Jason Jenkins of Planters Bank, the conversation underscored the challenges and triumphs facing Kentucky’s farmers and the critical need for their voices in decision-making arenas.

Our last stop was a tour of agricultural equipment at Hutson, Inc., where we gained an understanding of the machinery and investments that are crucial to modern farming. As our session came to a close, our class discussion focused on how we could leverage our newfound knowledge to support and create new opportunities for our agricultural partners across Kentucky.

As we departed Hopkinsville, known as the Batter Capital of the World due to its significant wheat production, we carried with us a profound understanding of what “Kentucky Proud” truly means. It’s more than a brand—it’s the heartbeat of our agricultural communities, a shared pride that unites those who cultivate the land and nurture its bounty.

A Final Note of Gratitude

On behalf of the Leadership Kentucky Class of 2024, I extend our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women of Ft. Campbell for their unwavering commitment to our nation. We also thank our generous sponsors, including Planters Bank, Pennyrile Electric Cooperative, Jennie Stuart Medical Center, The Rogers Group, Agri-Power & Hunt Farms, Christian County Agribusiness, Hopkinsville Community College, Christian County Extension Office and Elizabeth and Hal McCoy. Your support and contributions were invaluable to the success of this session.

A special thanks to Jason Jenkins, Senior VP of Ag & Commercial Lending at Planters Bank and a 2018 Leadership Kentucky graduate, whose dedication and hard work were instrumental in coordinating our Hopkinsville session.