The Shelby County Board unanimously approved an Allies in Agriculture resolution at its Sept. 11 meeting after representatives of the Shelby County Farm Bureau presented the measure and asked for board support.

Kenzie Stewart, identified in the meeting as the manager of the Shelby County Farm Bureau, and board members Austin Reker, Jim Hampton and president Steve Kessler spoke in favor of the resolution, which the presenters said recognizes agriculture as a significant part of the county’s economy and community. Stewart and other speakers noted there are 1,199 farms in the county and said agriculture supports roughly 26% of local jobs—an estimated 2,150 positions. Speakers also cited an estimated total sales and output figure (stated in the meeting) and said farm and property provided about 50.6% of the county’s taxable value.

“Passage of this resolution states the significance of agriculture to our county, and it shows the county’s support to our industry,” one Farm Bureau director said. The board had been provided the resolution in advance and voted without further discussion.

Why it matters: The resolution is a formal expression of county support for agriculture and signals cooperation with the Farm Bureau on farming issues. The statistics presented at the meeting frame agriculture as a leading economic sector in Shelby County.

Discussion vs. decision: This was an informational presentation followed by a formal vote to adopt the resolution; no funding or regulatory action was tied to the resolution during the meeting.

Ending: The resolution passed unanimously; Farm Bureau representatives thanked the board for its support.