Voter guide: Here are Republicans, Democrats for Kentucky Agriculture commissioner

Kentucky's primary election voting ends May 16, with registered Republican and Democratic voters getting to pick their nominees for commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture this fall.

Kentucky's Agriculture commissioner is a constitutional officer who runs the department tasked with helping promote Kentucky agricultural products and expand their markets and development.

Two Democrats and two Republicans filed to run for the office this year, so voters of both parties will be able to pick their nominee in the primary.

Here is the background on these four candidates and their answers to several policy questions involving the office.

Sierra J. Enlow, Democrat

Age: 35

Current job: Economic development consultant

Where do you live? LaRue County

Previous elected offices: None.

Campaign website: Sierraenlow.com

Campaign Facebook: Sierra Enlow for Agriculture Commissioner

What is the biggest issue facing Kentucky farmers? How do you plan on addressing it?

Kentucky’s Department of Agriculture continues to miss opportunities to collaborate across agency lines to strengthen the farm-gate impact of agriculture markets. Specifically, our Commonwealth needs a Commissioner of Agriculture that understands how economic development works and how to advocate for farmers as part of that process. Too often, the needs of farmers are overlooked or ignored. Kentucky farm business must be brought into the 21st century, and as Commissioner of Agriculture, I will do that.

Does cannabis fit into Kentucky’s agricultural future? Why or why not?

As the next Agriculture Commissioner I will be the driver in rolling out new crops, including cannabis, and building sustainable ecosystems around them. This requires moving quickly to initiate grow operations while also building a strong market for Kentucky crops. We can’t let what happened with hemp happen with new opportunities for Kentucky farmers. Our next Ag Commissioner has to work to ensure a bright future for new opportunities.

What is your background with agriculture and farming in Kentucky?

I grew up working in a tobacco patch of a fifth-generation family farm in LaRue County, where I learned the importance of community and economic opportunities for farmers. My experience with rural communities motivated me to pursue degrees from the University of Kentucky. I’ve worked hard to combine these values in my professional life, where I’ve helped facilitate over $1B in capital investment for Kentucky. Kentuckians need representation at the farm-gate and in the boardroom.

More: Kentucky Primaries 2023: What to know about registering to vote, absentee ballots and more

Mikael Malone, Democrat

Age: 32

Current job: Microbiologist

Where do you live? Winchester

Previous elected offices: None

Campaign Facebook: https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089556362069

What is the biggest issue facing Kentucky farmers? How do you plan on addressing it? 

Access and affordability of livestock healthcare and medication. I would like to incentivize making this important service available to all places in Kentucky.

Does cannabis fit into Kentucky’s agricultural future? Why or why not? 

Absolutely. Cannabis, regardless of legality, is already Kentucky’s largest cash crop. Incorporating cannabis into the agricultural landscape of the state would generate important revenue and lift up our farmers. Complete legalization will also allow law enforcement to focus on the real problems in our state - meth and fentanyl.

What is your background with agriculture and farming in Kentucky?

I hold a degree in sustainability and bring a unique perspective to matters of agriculture.

Richard Heath, Republican

Age: 67

Current job: Small business owner of Heath Building Material Inc. Post frame building

Where do you live? Graves County

Previous elected offices? State Representative

Campaign website: www.richardheathky.com

Campaign Facebook: Heath for KY AG Commissioner

Campaign Twitter: @Richard_HeathKY

What is the biggest issue facing Kentucky farmers? How do you plan on addressing it? 

Kentucky farmers are diverse and face multiple issues. The one thing I’ve heard most from talking with farmers is the challenge in finding good, reliable workers. While the commissioner can’t address that issue through policy changes, there is certainly an opportunity to work with ag folks and the legislature to continue addressing workforce shortages, like we did this session with including agriculture in an expansion of KEES scholarship eligibility.

Does cannabis fit into Kentucky’s agricultural future? Why or why not? 

Industrial Hemp has a place in Kentucky’s agriculture future.  The fiber, seed and CBD oil make it a potential source of income. It’s not for everyone but there is a place as a specialty crop for those for those who enjoy growing the product. The legalization of medicinal marijuana has most folks wondering what impact it will have. All indications point to it not requiring a significant number of farmers or acreage.

What is your background with agriculture and farming in Kentucky? 

I grew up farming. After high school, I raised corn, soybeans, wheat and tobacco, while putting myself through college at Murray State University, earning a Masters in Agriculture. After college I became the manager of the Southern States co-op store in Mayfield and learned the business side of agriculture, how to work with employees, board members, and how to prepare a budget for a multi-million dollar company. Today I chair the House Agriculture Committee.

Jonathan Shell, Republican

Age: 35

Current job:  Fifth-generation Kentucky farmer at Shell Farms and Greenhouses in Garrard County

Where do you live? Lancaster, Garrard County

Previous elected offices: Republican Kentucky State House Majority Leader and the youngest to ever hold the office, 2017-2018. Kentucky State Representative 2013-2018

Campaign website: https://www.shellforky.com/

Campaign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JShellKY

Campaign Twitter: https://twitter.com/JShellKY

What is the biggest issue facing Kentucky farmers? How do you plan on addressing it?

We must protect farm families from woke institutional overreach (both government and corporate), defend Kentucky’s pro-life, pro-family values, and address supply chain inflation. Federal overreach is a top concern of mine. The Biden administration's "Waters of the United States" rules are a recent example of the federal government’s attempt to burden Kentucky farmers at the behest of woke social activists. I’m running to stop Biden’s agenda, which is hurting Kentucky farmers.

Does cannabis fit into Kentucky’s agricultural future? Why or why not?

I support the development of medical marijuana in Kentucky to improve the quality of care for some patients and hopefully help people avoid addictive opioids. I do not support recreational marijuana legalization. We must ensure there is a rigorous oversight infrastructure to protect farmers and keep cannabis products away from kids.

What is your background with agriculture and farming in Kentucky?

I’m a fifth-generation Kentucky farmer. You name it and I’ve been in the field with it – cows, pumpkins, flowers, just to name a few commodities. After leading Republican Party’s effort to win the Kentucky State House, I was elected the youngest House Majority Leader in state history and the first Republican to hold the office. Our conservative majority passed Right to Work, pro-life legislation, support for farm families, and a crackdown on opioid traffickers.

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Reach reporter Joe Sonka at jsonka@courierjournal.com and follow him on Twitter at @joesonka.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky primaries 2023: Here are agriculture commissioner candidates