WAVE Ag Day 2026 Brings Agriculture, Community and Industry Together in Western Kentucky
COLUMBUS, KY — August 2026 — The WAVE – West Kentucky Alliance for a Vibrant Economy – Ag Initiative celebrated a successful WAVE Ag Day on July 30 at Columbus-Belmont State Park, bringing together more than 200 farmers, agricultural leaders, industry professionals, students, families, vendors and community members from across the four-county region.
WAVE Ag Day continues to serve as a signature event focused on celebrating agriculture, strengthening relationships within the agricultural community and highlighting the people, businesses and innovations helping move agriculture forward. The 2026 event provided attendees with opportunities to learn, connect and experience firsthand the many ways agriculture impacts the communities we call home.
Throughout the day, attendees heard from an outstanding lineup of speakers and agricultural leaders, including Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and renowned agricultural machinery expert “Machinery Pete.” The event also featured a special musical performance by the Mitchell sisters, who entertained attendees with a memorable rendition of My Old Kentucky Home on violin and banjo.
Another highlight of the event was an auction featuring a special 250th Anniversary pedal tractor. Wayne Hunt of H&R AgriPower purchased the tractor for $3,300, with additional contributions from Harris Auctions, Brannon Farms and Bayer/Dekalb/Asgrow bringing the total raised to $10,300. Proceeds will help support WAVE Ag Day expenses, with funds also benefiting the Benny Cooper Ag Safety and Accident Prevention Foundation.
The 2026 event featured a record 54 partners, including agricultural vendors, industry partners and organizations showcasing products, services, demonstrations and new technologies. The event provided businesses and organizations with an opportunity to connect directly with producers while giving community members a closer look at the agricultural industry and the innovation, dedication and diversity of modern agriculture.
A major highlight of WAVE Ag Day was the presentation of the 2026 WAVE Ag Day Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations whose dedication and contributions have made a meaningful impact on agriculture and their communities.
The 2026 award recipients included:
Farmer of the Year: Ricky O’Neal, Carlisle County
Agribusiness of the Year: H&R AgriPower
Young Farmer of the Year: Joel Reddick, Carlisle County
Friend of Agriculture: Tom Miller, Ballard County Extension Agent
Outstanding 4-H Member: Macee Hogancamp, Carlisle County
Outstanding FFA Member: Abbey Bellew, Hickman County
“These awards allow us to recognize the people who work every day to strengthen agriculture and our communities,” said WAVE Ag Chair Phillip Bean. “From our farmers and agribusinesses to our youth and community supporters, each recipient represents an important part of the future and success of agriculture across our region.”
WAVE Ag also presented Community Youth Investment Awards to area 4-H and FFA members and recognized retiring Judge Executives Kenny Wilson of Hickman County, Greg Terry of Carlisle County and Jim Martin of Fulton County for their visionary leadership in establishing the West Kentucky Alliance for a Vibrant Economy (WAVE Inc.) Initiative and for their continued support of the Ag Initiative.
The celebration continued the following day with WAVE Ag Field and Demo Day coordinated by the KCTCS Adult Agricultural Education Program/Young Farmer Chapter at the Ballard County Fairgrounds. The event featured an antique tractor show with 34 tractors, agricultural vendors and hands-on demonstrations highlighting agricultural safety and emerging technology.
Exhibitors included Ag Launch, Grain Weevil, which provided grain bin safety demonstrations, and Sprig Aerospace, which showcased its developing heavy-lift, 75-gallon-tank agricultural drone technology.
Together, WAVE Ag Day and WAVE Ag Field and Demo Day demonstrated the strength and diversity of the agricultural community across the region and the importance of bringing producers, businesses, educators, students and families together.
WAVE Ag Initiative extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make the 2026 events possible, including sponsors and partners, vendors, speakers, volunteers, farmers, exhibitors and attendees. Their continued support allows WAVE Ag to create opportunities that educate, connect and celebrate the agricultural community.
As agriculture continues to evolve, WAVE Ag Initiative remains committed to supporting producers, connecting communities and highlighting the people, businesses and innovations shaping the future of agriculture.
About WAVE Ag Initiative
WAVE Ag Initiative is dedicated to strengthening and promoting agriculture throughout the four-county region by connecting farmers, businesses, industry leaders, students and communities. Through educational programs, community events and partnerships, WAVE Ag works to highlight the importance of agriculture and create opportunities for the next generation of agricultural leaders in Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton and Hickman Counties.
Media Contact:
WAVE Ag Initiative
Abbey Bellew – PR Intern
Tony Brannon, Regional Facilitator
270-293-3790
Comments