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Story by Darren Doyle, brought to you by Kentucky Farm Bureau:
Local farmers are encouraging Edmonson County drivers to use caution, have some patience, and share the road with farm machinery as planting and harvesting seasons are here in the county.

Farmers are currently cutting, raking, and baling hay and straw, while also spraying, discing, and planting fields for fall harvests. That means some pretty big pieces of machinery are now and will be on Edmonson County roads, according to Edmonson County Farm Bureau President and local farmer Scott Childress.

"Right now, we have lots of farmers harvesting wheat and hay, in addition to all the planting going on," he said. "That requires us to transport equipment on the roadways and we want everyone to be safe during these times."

Childress says there are some easy ways to avoid accidents when following machinery, which include recognizing caution lights and warning triangles on machinery, passing carefully when absolutely safe to do so, watching for hand signals from drivers (not all tractors have turn signals), and simply being aware that these machines could be out and about at anytime.

"The farmers are doing our best to be safe as well," he said. "This is the livelihood of so many people in our county and the only way we have of getting our equipment from one place to the other is by driving them on the roads."

Childress also said that most farmers driving and hauling equipment will pull over when they can to let traffic around, but that's not always ideal.

"We can't see behind a large machine in tow, so we're not always sure of how many cars are driving behind us. We have our hands full driving as safely as possible, and with wide loads, we are not only watching what's out in front, but on the shoulder and of course, oncoming traffic. Some roads don't have shoulders so we can't go right without getting into mailboxes and road signs. We also don't know the terrain of what's off the shoulder and that could cause major problems."

Childress said that Farm Bureau is encouraging each side to respect the others' spaces.

"We realize it's sometimes inconvenient to get stuck behind a tractor when you're in a hurry, but we are doing our best to reach our destination as quickly and safely as possible and we'll be out of your way as soon as we can. Our goal is for everyone to get to where they're going safely, so we all can come home safe that evening." 

From the Edmonson County Extension Office:
Source: Michelle Arnold, DVM (University of Kentucky Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory)

Pinkeye, or Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), is one of the most frustrating and costly diseases beef producers face. It negatively affects weaning weights, increases treatment costs and leads to discounts at sale due to corneal scarring. While it spreads quickly once it starts, the key to managing pinkeye lies in reducing risk—long before the first bad eye of the season.

Understanding the Disease
Pinkeye is caused by a complex mix of bacteria, most notably Moraxella bovis, Moraxella bovoculi, and Mycoplasma bovoculi. These organisms can live harmlessly in the eye until certain conditions—like eye injury or irritation—trigger them to become aggressive. M. bovis, for example, uses hairlike pili to attach to damaged corneas and releases toxins that destroy corneal tissue —leading to painful ulcers.

New research shows that pinkeye involves more than just one bacterium, making vaccine development difficult. Some strains are considered harmless, while others are highly virulent and resistant to antibiotics.

Reducing Risk Starts Early
Reducing the risk of pinkeye begins with strengthening your herd’s natural defenses. Good nutrition, especially adequate levels of trace minerals like selenium and copper, is essential. Clean, cool water helps maintain hydration and tear production, which protects the eye. Avoid stagnant water sources and regularly clean automatic waterers.

Environmental irritants are major contributors. Dust, ultraviolet (UV) rays, tall weeds and seed heads can all damage the eye, making it possible for bacteria to take hold. White-faced breeds like Herefords are more susceptible due to increased UV reflection to the eye’s surface. Providing shade and mowing pastures can help reduce these risks.

Face Fly Control
Face flies are the primary transmitters of pinkeye bacteria. They feed on eye secretions and can spread infection from animal to animal. Unlike horn flies, face flies aren’t affected by systemic insecticides. Instead, use a combination of feed-through insect growth regulators (IGRs), insecticide ear tags, dust bags and back rubbers strategically placed in high-traffic areas.

Start IGRs in mid-spring, about 30 days before fly season, and continue until 30 days after it ends. Rotate insecticide products annually, based on mode of action (MOA), to prevent resistance. Aim to keep face fly numbers below 10 per head.

Recognizing Symptoms and Acting Fast
Early signs of pinkeye may include excessive tearing, squinting and blinking. Prompt treatment is critical to prevent spread and minimize damage. Long-acting injectable antibiotics like oxytetracycline (LA-300®) or tulathromycin (Draxxin®) are effective and labeled for pinkeye treatment. In severe cases, eye patches or surgical procedures may be needed to protect the cornea.

Topical fly repellents and isolating affected animals can also help reduce transmission. Always consult your veterinarian for treatment decisions and prescriptions.

The Role of Vaccines
Vaccines can reduce the number and severity of cases but aren’t foolproof. Commercial vaccines work best when the strain in the vaccine matches the strain in your herd. When they don’t, custom-made (autogenous) vaccines may be more effective. 

Timing is key—start vaccinations 4–6 weeks before pinkeye season and follow up with a booster for full protection.

Pinkeye is a complex disease, but control is possible with a proactive approach. Focus on nutrition, clean water, fly control and minimizing eye irritants. Work closely with your veterinarian to develop a treatment and vaccination plan tailored to your herd. With early action and consistent management, you can reduce the impact of pinkeye and keep your cattle healthy and productive.

Contact your local Edmonson Extension office or veterinarian for more information on how to address pinkeye in cattle.  

Edmonson Voice Report:
Edmonson County's own Ashley Ritter was awarded the Kentucky State VFW EMT of the Year Award on Friday, June 13th at the Lexington Clarion Convention Center by State VFW Commander Bruce Ashley during the VFW State Convention.

EMT Ritter was nominated by County EMS Director Keith Sanders as a result of her extraordinary record of service and training, according to a press release from local VFW Post 6937.  She first won the award at the county level, then the district, which includes all surrounding counties, and finally on Friday, earning top honors all across Kentucky.

"Mrs. Ritter began her service as a teenage volunteer in her hometown ambulance service as well as in her local fire department," the VFW said in a statement. "During college, she served a summer (2015) at Mammoth Cave National Park as a Fire Fighter/EMT and moved to Edmonson County following her college graduation in 2016.  She started with the county as a part time EMT in 2016 while working in the ER at the Med Center in Bowling Green.  In August of 2019 she enrolled in the Central Kentucky Paramedic Program in Lexington through which she became a licensed paramedic in August of 2020."

Ashley also earned a Master’s Degree in Health Emergency Management focused in Disaster Medicine in 2017 from Anna Maria College.  She also serves as a firefighter with the Kyrock Volunteer Fire Department in addition to leading as Head Coach of the Edmonson County High School Girls’ Soccer Team.

In the above photo, Mrs. Ritter is joined by State VFW Commander Bruce Ashley on the left and National VFW Commander In Chief Al Lippart on the right.  On the far left is State VFW Auxiliary President Bobbie Wadedell and on the far right is Past VFW National Auxiliary President Francesca Guiliford.  At the podium is Brownsville VFW Post 6937’s Commander Edwin Vincent.

"During the presentation, Commander-in-Chief Lippart expressed his astonishment on just how accomplished EMT Ritter was and admiration that Edmonson County’s Ambulance Service produced the last three year’s award recipients, stating that they exhibit extraordinary professionalism," the VFW stated.

"The VFW is our nation’s largest organization of combat veterans, chartered by Congress to remember our fallen, take care of the survivors, and do good works in the communities.  Here in Edmonson, our Post is known for its work performing veteran burial honors, flag training in the schools, and other patriotic activities.  We meet on the third Monday of the month at 6:30 pm in the library."

Edmonson Voice Report:
Edmonson County 4H members participated at the District 6 4H Area Horse Show recently at Western Kentucky University.

Kinsley Meredith and Liam Clark both competed in the speed division, Aliana Deweese and Eli Adwell competed in the racking horse division, and both Addie Vincent and Eli Adwell competed in the the western pleasure division.

Multiple class championships and blue ribbons were claimed by the team. All five competitors are also active members in the Edmonson County Saddle Club.

Edmonson County Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey signed and presented a proclamation at Monday's Fiscal Court meeting in honor of longtime Kyrock and Homemakers Volunteer, Ms. Susie Vincent.

The following memoir was written and submitted by Ms. Vincent's sister, Ms. Shelby Butler.

Louisville, KY (June 3, 2025) – Mammoth Cave Transplants, located in Edmonson County, has been accepted into the 2025 Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) Certified Farm Market Program, which is celebrating its 30th year.
 
As a member of this prestigious program, the market has committed to providing top-quality products and services to its customers. This certification ensures that Mammoth Cave Transplants meets the highest standards of quality, freshness, and marketing appeal.
 
“For three decades, Kentucky Farm Bureau’s Certified Farm Market program has been a huge benefit to both communities and hardworking farm families across the commonwealth,” said KFB President Eddie Melton. “It gives markets valuable resources, credibility and a support network, and it’s also a seal of approval that lets consumers know the food they’re buying was grown and raised by their trusted neighbors.”
 

Located at 5394 Brownsville Road in Brownsville, Mammoth Cave Transplants is a greenhouse and nursery that sells flowers, vegetable plants, bedding plants, perennials, hanging baskets, ferns, mums, poinsettias, trees and shrubs, bulk garden seed, flowerpots, fountains and many other garden items. Fall crops include pumpkins, gourds, straw and corn stalks. The market is open year round. For more, visit www.mammothcavetransplants.net.
 
The KFB Certified Farm Market logo identifies markets certified through this program, and they are listed in the online directory. The program also provides collective advertising, promotional items, educational tour opportunities, and other marketing benefits, with the aim of increasing the net farm income of member markets.
 
Consumers can find the KFB Certified Farm Market Rack Card at Kentucky welcome centers, state resort parks, local chambers of commerce/tourism centers, and county Farm Bureau offices. For a complete list of markets, visit the KFB Certified Farm Market website at kyfb.com/certified or download the KFB App.

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