Madisonville, KY – The 35th Annual Farm / City Breakfast was held Wednesday morning hosted by the Madisonville – Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce.

The main focus of the event was to recognize the Farm Family of the Year.  This year’s award was presented to the Brian Hornback Family from Slaughters.  Hornback and his wife Stacey farm over 2000 acres of crop-land near the North West sections of Hopkins Co.  Stacey is also employed by the Webster Co. Extension Agency.

A first generation farmer, Hopkins County Extension Agent George Kelly, said, “Hornback is the exception and not the rule.”  He told the large crowd gathered at the event that most first generation farmers start out by raising hogs or tobacco in order to build capital.  The Hornback family grows 1,600 acres of row crops, 2,200 acres of pop corn, 20 head of cattle and 11 heifer cattle. 

A committee chose the family due to their farming success in the last 20 years.

Hornback began his farming operation in 1988 by raising tobacco and using a bull dozier to assist other farmers in implementing good land conservation practices.  Today, he and his wife are joined by their two twin children, Hannah and Ben in working to improve their farm business.  Along with the award, Madisonville Tire presented the family with a $100 gift certificate.

Others that were recognized at the breakfast include members of the local Future Farmers of America, Hannah Dockery from Hopkins County Central High School and Haley Barfield from Madisonville North Hopkins High School.  Also, two members of the local Four-H club were present, Rebecca Wooten and Albert “AJ” Gonz.  The young people talked about what it is like growing up on a farm and the need to preserve the environment in order to continue growing the agriculture industry.

Jason Hawkins of the First United Bank presented the Madisonville Noon Kiwanis Club Yield Contest Winner Award.  Danny Basham was recognized for his success in harvesting high yields in both Corn and Soybeans.

Joe England was presented the Farm Friend of Hopkins County award for his service to the agriculture industry and for over 30 years with the Pioneer Seed Company.

And The Farm – City Educator Award was presented to Dewayne Vincent, agriculture teacher at the Hopkins County Central High School.

Tim Moore, News Director – iSurf News
Photos by Gary Gates