Kentucky farmers say rising fuel, fertilizer and financial pressures are taking a serious personal toll on agricultural operations throughout the state and country.
Farm bankruptcies hit a six-year high in April, according to Epiq AACER data, as climbing input costs squeeze operations of every size. Kentucky farmers say they are feeling that pressure directly — and the burden reaches well beyond the balance sheet.
David Tucker, a fifth-generation cattle farmer and owner of 3T Cattle in Fayette County, knows the rhythms of hay season well, but the financial math has become increasingly difficult to manage.
“It can get nerve wracking some days, going over finances and trying to figure out how we’re going to make everything work from year to year,” Tucker said.
He said the recent headlines about farm bankruptcies come as no surprise.
“It’s not a shocker. With the rise of input costs, from fuel, fertilizer, labor after COVID, it’s not one specific thing, but it’s like death from a thousand cuts,” he said.
The numbers support that view. Agricultural extension specialist Jonathan Shepherd said the data reveals a sharp national pattern.
“Digging into the numbers a little bit, bankruptcies are up 46% year over year, 2024 to 2025, so we had a total of 315 bankruptcies in 2025, which is up. The Southeast and the Midwest were hit the hardest. The Southeast is up about 69%,” Shepherd said.
Kentucky recorded zero Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings last year — but Shepherd said that does not put state farmers in the clear.
“Margins are very tight in the crop sector right now, very tight. If you look at projected prices versus costs of production, it actually looks like it’s going to cost more to produce a crop than what you’re going to get paid to sell that crop, so at the end of the day, you’re going into the hole financially,” Shepherd said.
Chapter 12 bankruptcy is a legal mechanism designed specifically for family farmers and fishermen. It allows them to keep operating while restructuring debt payments — a last resort that gives struggling operations breathing room rather than forcing a shutdown.
The financial strain does not stay in the fields. Tucker said the farming community must look out for one another.
“Farm bureau helps by building a community around everybody, because farmer suicide is at an all time high as well,” Tucker said.
Shepherd reinforced that message, urging farmers who are struggling to speak up.
“My message to those folks is you’re not alone. It can feel very lonely whenever you’re facing financial stress and can feel like you’re the only one. There are other people struggling too. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help,” Shepherd said.
Every Kentucky county has an extension office with resources to help farmers work through financial hardship. Local farm bureaus also provide community support for those navigating difficult seasons.
With hay season now underway across Kentucky, drivers are reminded to slow down and take extra caution when passing farm equipment on the roads.
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