By Chris Aldridge
Kentucky Ag News

As part of Black History Month, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is highlighting Black Soil KY, an organization that seeks to connect Black Kentuckians to their legacy and heritage in agriculture. Kentucky native Ashley Smith co-founded the organization five years ago.

“Of the 77,000 primary farm operators in Kentucky in 2017, there were less than 430 Black farmers (about half of 1 percent),” Smith said. “With COVID and aging, I definitely believe that number has dwindled substantially (over the past four years).”

The mission of Black Soil KY is to reconnect Black Kentuckians to their heritage and legacy in agriculture. Two ways to accomplish this is through education and loans. The organization encourages more Black young people to consider farming as an occupation, then it connects prospective farmers with loans through Farm Credit Mid-America, a farm lending giant with nearly $30 billion in assets.

“We’re working so hard to build a pipeline from K-12 to adulthood to get potential farmers educated,” Smith said. “Then we connect them to loans. We have helped farmers with seed capital (to start farming). That cash flow is critical.”

Last year, Farm Credit donated $200,000 in a four-year partnership to support Black Soil’s agricultural education and diversity initiatives across the state, particularly in Hopkinsville, Lexington, and west Louisville. The funding will support the installation of 48 high tunnel urban microfarms to cultivate seasonal produce and the distribution of 200 at-home garden kits to allow families to grow their own food. It will also provide virtual learning modules containing information about farm financing, loans, and the capital necessary to grow a farming operation.

“Black Soil KY’s focus on agricultural education, innovation, and diversification aligns with Farm Credit Mid-America’s purpose to secure the future of rural communities and agriculture,” said Mark Barker, senior vice president of ag lending for Kentucky. “This investment is part of Farm Credit Mid-America’s ongoing commitment to invest in programs and initiatives that grow the next generation of agriculture, advocate for the industry, and invest in programs that strengthen rural communities. This includes supporting organizations like Black Soil KY that foster diversity and inclusivity in agriculture.”

Sharing those beliefs is Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles, who spoke at a press conference announcing the donation along with Barker and Smith. “We’re Kentucky Proud, and we appreciate the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s support,” Smith said. “We can work together to create a thriving sector. “Our intent is bringing more market share to the farmers in Kentucky that are Black,” she added.

Black Soil’s other co-founder is Smith’s partner, Trevor Claiborn, an area small farm assistant for Kentucky State University’s Extension Service who grew up in Lexington. He is known for his alter ego, “Farmer Brown tha MC,” who sings hip hop songs to entertain and educate young people at school presentations, community events, summer programs, church camps, conferences, and afterschool programs.

Smith, Black Soil’s chief operating officer, doesn’t have a background in agriculture. After earning a sociology degree from the University of Kentucky in 2008, her experience lies in the fields of arts, hospitality, event planning, and management. She served on the management team for Lexington’s popular Crave Food + Music Festival, where she was stage emcee in 2017 and 2018.

“I was recruited into agriculture,” Smith said. “I really fell in love with the multiple ways you can create a path (to success).

“I don’t identify myself as a famer; I’m a farmer cheerleader,” she added. “I build trust and bonds across the state.”

For more information about Black Soil KY, go to www.blacksoilky.com.