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On October 15, the Leadership Bowling Green Class of 2026 swapped their office attire for boots and denim, spending the day discovering the fields, farms, and food systems that make South Central Kentucky thrive. Agri-Business Day offered participants an up-close look at the people and innovation driving our region’s agricultural success — and, of course, a few scoops of ice cream along the way!
The day began bright and early at the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, where Chair Kelsey Crowe (Class of 2022) welcomed participants and introduced the day’s alumni chairs. A quick “Be Proactive” session set the tone for a day focused on learning, leadership, and community impact before the class headed out to Triple Oaks Farms.
At Triple Oaks, owner Neal Balance shared his experience operating a local farm rooted in sustainability and family legacy. The morning continued with a lively Warren County Agriculture Panel moderated by John Halcomb, featuring experts JoAnna Coles (UK Warren County Extension Office), Rick Tingle (Franklin Bank & Trust), Jared Spinks (Spinks Farms), and Aleta Botts (KY Farmland Transition Initiative). The discussion explored the evolving challenges of Kentucky farming — from generational transitions to agricultural financing and the growing importance of innovation.
Next, the class visited Western Kentucky University’s Agriculture Research & Education Center, where Dr. William “Dan” Strunk guided participants through WKU’s work in plant science, agronomy, and agricultural research. It was an inspiring glimpse into how education and research fuel the future of farming.
A locally sourced lunch at Chaney’s Dairy Barn, sponsored by WKU and Delta Dental, was a true farm-to-table experience featuring Lunsford Beef, Need More Acres, Broadbent bacon, and Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese. Following lunch, Carl Chaney welcomed the class for a behind-the-scenes tour of the dairy’s operations and shared how agritourism helps connect families to local food and farming.
The afternoon wrapped up with a Direct-to-Consumer and Agritourism Panel moderated by John Halcomb and featuring Elizabeth Chaney Lunsford (Lungsford Beef), Michelle Howell (Need More Acres), Josh Poling (Broadbent & Hickory & Oak), and Marc Dottore (Dueling Grounds Distillery), who shared their entrepreneurial stories and the creative ways they’re keeping Kentucky’s agricultural traditions alive and thriving.
After a debrief (and a well-earned scoop of Chaney’s famous ice cream), the class gathered for project planning and a social at Mill House.
Special thanks go to our Agri-Business Day Chairs for planning a day that reminded the Class of 2026 that leadership in Bowling Green begins in the roots of the community. Also, for providing refreshments and lunch.
- John Halcomb, Walnut Grove Farms
- Drew Hubbard, Byers Insurance Group
- Derek Olive, Western Kentucky University
- Jeremy Poston, Delta Dental of Kentucky
- Lisa Oliver, Abound Credit Union
- Jamie Spinks Meredith, Warren County Attorney’s Office
- Brandon Vickous, Stewart Richey Construction
We are also grateful to our hosts — Triple Oaks Farms, Western Kentucky University, and Chaney’s Dairy Barn — for their generous support and hospitality. Special thanks as well to the “ambassador of country ham,” Josh Poling, owner of Hickory & Oak, for the thoughtful gift set featuring local meat delicacies.
With gratitude to our Premier Partner for championing the Leadership Bowling Green Class of 2026.
