Supporting Kentucky's Future Through the Kentucky Exposition Foundation

Our Mission

The Kentucky Exposition Foundation provides financial support and advocacy for public programs at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC). The Foundation strives to strengthen youth development, enhance agricultural traditions in the Commonwealth, and sustain the legacy of the Kentucky State Fair Board.

A young girl with blonde hair holding a donkey's lead, standing inside an indoor arena with colorful seating in the background. An older man is partially visible on the right, and other people and animals are present in the background.

Planting seeds for the future.

Your investment will help eliminate financial barriers and sustain the traditions of Kentucky agriculture for generations to come. 

Young woman smiling next to a cow at an event.
Group of people sitting in stadium seats, young women taking a selfie, others watching or engaged in various activities.
A person riding a horse decorated with ribbons at an indoor equestrian event, with a crowd watching from the seats.
Group of female basketball players in pink jerseys with 'TPU'.

Agriculture:

The Backbone of Kentucky

Close-up of a cabbage plant growing in a farm field with other cabbage plants in the background.

$8.3 billion industry supporting Kentucky’s economy

Over 69,000 farms across the state

Top 10 U.S. producer of livestock, poultry, corn, soybeans, and hemp

Why It Matters

  • 140,000+ fewer family farms in the U.S. than there were in 2017 (USDA, 2024)

  • Feeds and sustains local & global communities

  • Supports thousands of jobs & rural economies

  • Preserves Kentucky’s agricultural heritage

Youth in Agriculture:

The Future of Kentucky

Three FFA members in navy blue jackets standing behind a table with small pins, at an indoor event with informational displays in the background.

Stronger Rural Economics: Youth exhibitors gain skills which may help sustain local food systems

Leadership: The Foundation works with FFA & 4-H programs to shape future agricultural leaders

Responsibility: Youth gain self-esteem, self-discipline and time management & financial  skills

Why It Matters

  • 2% of the U.S. population works in agriculture

  • The average age of a U.S. farmer is 58

  • 40% of farm owners will retire by 2035

Ways to Help

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Ways to Help •

  • A man in a dark suit and plaid shirt signing a large check at an indoor event, with green artificial grass flooring and white fencing in the background.

    Enduring Legacy Match

    Funds youth agricultural programs in partnership with the KY State Fair Board through a $2 million grant initiative.

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  • Woman in riding attire smiling while riding a horse at an equestrian event with an audience in the background.

    World's Championship Horse Show

    Acts as the steward for endowed funds that support more than $1.5 million in prize money. 

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  • A young girl holding a leash with a light-colored calf standing close to her inside a large indoor arena with orange and blue seats and other people and animals in the background.

    Junior Dairy Supreme

    Raises funds through a cheese auction to support premiums in the Junior Dairy Supreme.

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  • A young child in a wheelchair holding a purple ribbon with gold lettering that reads 'Class Participant 2022', being shown a sheep by two women at a livestock show.

    Sunshine Class

    Empowers special needs youth by providing an inclusive livestock show experience with mentorship and recognition.

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  • Group of people at Kentucky State Fair, celebrating victory with a sheep, awards, and a large check, in a barn-like setting with a banner overhead.

    Championship Drive

    Continuing its commitment to young exhibitors, $250,000 will be awarded by 2026, supporting nearly 500 competitors as they pursue top honors and a future in agriculture.

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