Kentucky Ag News
Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles speaks at the news conference to announce the rebuilding of Blue Grass Stockyards. (Kentucky Department of Agriculture photo)
Blue Grass Stockyards plans to rebuild in Fayette
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Blue Grass Stockyards, which lost its Lexington facility to a three-alarm fire Jan. 30, will rebuild on Ironworks Pike, Mayor Jim Gray announced Feb. 26.
“Lexington has been our home for 70 years,” said Jim Akers, Chief Operating Officer. “It’s part of our culture; our roots are here. And its central location, near the interstates, is convenient for our farmers.”
The new facility on Ironworks, which will be adjacent to the I-75 interchange, is designed for easy access for farmers, Akers said. The Stockyards was previously located off Forbes Road, near Leestown.
Mayor Gray said the business is very important to Lexington. “Blue Grass Stockyards is to cattle what Keeneland is to Thoroughbreds,” Gray said. “It is the biggest cattle market group east of the Mississippi River. Because of its sales volume, it effectively sets the cattle price structure for the entire Eastern United States.”
Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles said today’s announcement is a big step toward restoring this important market for livestock producers in Kentucky and throughout the eastern United States. “Blue Grass Stockyards is working with partners in business, government, and agriculture to get back on its feet quickly, but also with consideration on how it can best serve its customers going forward,” Quarles said.
The business helps keep Lexington green, Akers said. “The Blue Grass countryside is valued for its beauty,” he said. “The market provides an economic reason for that countryside to exist, and it creates opportunity for young people to return to the family farm.”
Last year, approximately 106,000 animals were sold at the Lexington market, plus another 50,000 sold on-line out of the Stockyards offices in Lexington. Farmers were paid approximately $200 million for that livestock. Altogether, at its seven locations in Kentucky and through on-line sales, the market buys about $600 million in cattle each year.
“Agriculture is a vital industry in Fayette County and Central Kentucky,” said Bob Quick, CCE, President & CEO, Commerce Lexington Inc. “The Blue Grass Stockyards is a signature marketplace for our thriving cattle industry. Today, we pay great respect to the Blue Grass Stockyards, as we show them our deep commitment to stay and grow in Fayette County.”
