Michael Duckworth for Woodford County Judge Executive

08/01/2026

Finally a chance to catch up with everyone!

The week started with the 60th Annual Farm Tour. Our first stop found a “wall of fog” at Sycamore Farm on Shannon Run Road. Darrell Varner and his brother Gary have managed the 1152 acre grain and to***co operation for several years. Always well maintained and a work of art if you understand production agriculture.

Varner and Extension Agent Beau Neal led a conversation on burley production, H2A labor, input costs and profitability.

When I served as County Extension Agent there were nearly 2,700 to***co quotas and 5,000 acres of burley, now there are 7 growers contracting to***co. Huge transition.

We also heard from Nat Colten, District Operation Manager for Woodford County Conservation and Dr. Ricardo Ribeiro, UK Soils Science Specialist discussing soil erosion , plant selection and crop rotation.

Our next stop was Eckert Orchard, a smaller farm with intensive fruit, pumpkin and agri- entertainment. The farm traces it roots back to an early land grant.

Farm manager, Megan Fields explained how the Eckert Family from Belleville, Illinois added livestock, bon fires and family fun. The farm focuses on cutting edge production, retail market, school tours and U pick fruits.

Marti Day, did a great job leading our wagon tour and explained the importance of teaching young people about agriculture.

This event is very special to me because I was personally involved in planning and implementing this community event for 17 years.

I reflect back on fond memories of the 25th tour on July 29, 1991 at Margaux Stud Farm and Margaux Limousin on the banks of Elkhorn Creek near Midway. Stephen Johnson
was our host, and Debbie and I brought our new baby, son Steven, home from the hospital after the event.

The 30th tour on July 29, 1996 at Eartheart Farm on Brushy Run Road featured cut flowers, burley to***co, large vegetable gardens and forestry. Brooks and Martin Richards served as our hosts.

The 35th tour on July 30, 2001 was held Shady Lane Vinery. Grape production and small scale winery operation were featured. Ed Neal served as our host.

This event is more than a big breakfast, social media posts and 10 second sound bites. It is about an agriculturally focused county celebrating the centerpiece of its economy.

Now we battle to save our farmland from development, battle to pass it to the next generation of young farmers and battle to save agricultural traditions that few understand.

I understand because I live it everyday. I get up early, I work past dark, and I work on weekends because I want my grandchildren to be able to learn and continue to experience and embrace this way of life!

07/24/2026

07/21/2026

Great honor to meet so many farmers, business owners and friends at the Farm to Table event!

Sometimes we forget the food we consume everyday takes months to grow, tend, harvest, process and prepare. The plants and proteins are cared for by farmers that toil and labor for our enjoyment.

Debbie and I appreciate this Woodford County tradition and were blessed to host the first three on our farm.

We continue to support our FFA and 4-H programs as well. We have some impressive young people that will serve as the next generation of agriculture leaders.

Thank you to all that made the evening a success!

07/11/2026

On the heels of celebrating the 250th birthday of our amazing country, our candidates continue doing amazing things in our community!

We started the week with a great brainstorming meeting of the group while sharing a meal including homemade pies and cobblers. We shaped our collective vision for Woodford County with lively discussion and bold ideas.

At the end of the week we learned of the terrible fire at Wilson’s Pool Hall. So sorry for the loss of this treasured business, but not surprised by the amazing outpouring of support!

We also joined friends and neighbors at the District 7 presentation of proposed changes to US60. Additionally several of our candidates joined the Woodford County Republican Women’s meet and greet event.

On Friday several of us joined Jana Hooten as she and Chris cut the ribbon on their new realty brokerage called Key To Close. She has already assisted 40 families in finding their next homes.

Over the past few months this group of candidates, their families and supporters have grown into a tightly knit and committed team united in their desire to bring positive change to Woodford County.

We look forward to crossing paths with each of you as we travel to every corner of our county. Thank you for giving your time, talent and treasure to make Woodford County a great place.

07/04/2026

Today is a historic day in our nation’s history and our family is excited to celebrate with our community the many freedoms and liberties that the brave and selfless of our country have fought so valiantly for!

Debbie and I usually wrap our day on the farm bringing in the produce grown of our Woodford County soil, and this week at days end, we are breaking beans, another long tradition in our families. While doing so we’ve been watching a documentary narrated by Tom Hanks on World War II.

In the comfort of the times we currently live in, it would be easy to forget that this war literally changed everything as it was known then and encompassed the whole globe! How close were we to living in oppression by evil regimes led by evil dictators bent on the annihilation of those they deemed to not even be worthy as humans. I am humbly reminded of the enormous sacrifices of so many Americans- both at home and abroad-that did their part and defeated these regimes and ended horrible atrocities- is it any wonder they’ve been called “The Greatest Generation”!

So today it is only fitting and right that in remembrance of that generation, and every other generation who has kept this remarkable democracy alive, we take time out to celebrate with our family and friends the truths and freedoms that I believe make us as Americans part of the greatest nation under God on this Earth. Let us never forget or take for granted! How very blessed are we!

07/03/2026

It was a pleasure to meet with the Woodford County Fire District Board yesterday. I have known some of these first responders for over 30 years.

They are dedicated to serving every corner of our county and responded to nearly 1000 calls this fiscal year. We all need to realize and remember that these are the first professionals on the scene when there is an emergency in our rural areas, so our gratitude and support for them should reflect that.

The group has 12 individuals certified for large animal rescue and have equipped stations with equipment to safe lift your livestock out of dangerous situations. Our county has sinkholes, creeks, ponds and rivers that will create issues for horses, cattle and other stock.

Protecting us against fires is a vitally important part of their service. As our state is experiencing a heat wave and families are celebrating July 4th with campfires and fireworks…please be safe.

See you at your next board meeting. All the best.

06/23/2026

Campaigns are a funny thing. As someone who has never been a politician, I've learned quickly that when you put your name on the ballot, people will say all kinds of things. That's why I want to make a simple promise to you tonight: I will always be honest and truthful with you.
I've spent my life running my farm, raising my family, and serving in my professional career with integrity. That's the same way I will run this campaign.
If you ever hear something about me that doesn't sound right or seems out of character, I encourage you to come directly to me. I may not always have the answer you want to hear, but I will always give you an honest one.
I'm not interested in rumors, gossip, or distractions. My focus is on Woodford County our families, our farms, our future, and making sure this community continues to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
I love this community. I work here, I've raised my family here, and regardless of what happens on November 3rd, I will continue to invest in and care about Woodford County.
If you ever have a question, concern, or just want to talk about an issue facing our community, please don't hesitate to call me at 859-753-7082. I am always willing to listen.
Thank you for your support, and I will continue working hard every day to respectfully earn your vote.

06/21/2026

Although we attended a lot of great events in the community this week, watching the grandkids play baseball is one of the favorites! Nothing like 2 Woodford County teams meeting in the Championship game where both sides played well and cheered for each other! Lots of great families spending time with dads, grandfathers, sons, daughters, and extended family and friends! Awesome couple of days on the diamonds!

06/18/2026

What a beautiful evening spent on the front porch of Holly Hill for the 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration! Enjoyed hearing the great news about the new pavilion construction that will start next week at the Huntertown Community Interpretive Park. This new structure will serve as a future gathering place for the community. Sioux Finney mentioned that park trackers have already counted 6,300 walkers and 9,400 cars have visited the park so far in 2026. Such amazing interest generated in Woodford County by this group for this historic property.

Whitney and Desiree’s presentation included fascinating stories and her spoken words about the Huntertown Horsemen. Many trainers, farriers, grooms, exercise riders, jockeys and race horse employees lived in Huntertown. Their skills, leadership and endurance received well deserved honor and recognition tonight. Candice and all in attendance joined in a very moving rendition of “Lift Every Voice” as a gentle breeze carried the sound across Midway.

Congratulations to the Huntertown Community Interpretive Park board of directors to a job well done!

06/12/2026

Congratulations to Carolina Rhea for her selection as one of our great youth leaders in Kentucky agriculture! A remarkable young leader representing one of the premier FFA programs in the Commonwealth!