FRANKFORT, Ky. — For nearly a century, the Brooks family has farmed the same land in Richmond, Kentucky, carrying forward a tradition of self-reliance and community service. Today, Anthony and Eymlin Brooks are ensuring that legacy continues—not only for their children, but for neighbors who depend on fresh, local food.

The couple was named 2025 Small Farmers of the Year at the evening banquet of the 27th annual Kentucky Small Farmers Conference, held Nov. 20 at the Capital Plaza Hotel in downtown Frankfort.

The conference, hosted by Kentucky State University’s College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources and the Land Grant Program, is held at Kentucky State’s Harold R. Benson Research & Demonstration Farm and attracts nearly 200 small farmers, vendors, and Kentucky State faculty and staff.

The Brookses launched TurnerBrooks Farm in 2017, beginning with an acre of industrial hemp. Over the past decade, the farm has expanded to include 28 cow-calf pairs, 35 meat goats, 35 laying hens, tomatoes grown in a high tunnel, and a stocked pond. The family sells livestock at Bluegrass Stockyards and vegetables through local grocery outlets, while also working with Feed America to provide fresh produce for families in need.

Their leadership in the farming community is equally notable.

Anthony and Eymlin Brooks have hosted a joint Kentucky State University and University of Kentucky pasture renovation demonstration, welcomed MANRRS students for on-farm tours, presented at the OAK Conference, and shared their story at the Kentucky Small Farmers Conference. They are also active in the UK Madison County Beef Cattle Association and participate regularly in Kentucky State’s 4th Wednesday Beef Cattle Educational Workshops and 3rd Thursday sessions.

“We want to carry forward a tradition of farming in our community. This land has belonged to our family for nearly a century, and we hope to teach young people both self-reliance and the many career possibilities in agriculture,” said Eymlin.

Anthony, a graduate of Kentucky State University, regularly welcomes students to the farm for hands-on learning. “I reach back to my alma mater to give students a real-world farm setting to bridge classroom lessons with experience,” he said.

With support from Edwin Chavous, Area Agent for the Small Farm Program at Kentucky State University, the Brooks’ sons secured a USDA 4-H loan to purchase cattle and expand the family’s herd. The Brooks family also received cost-share and conservation support through USDA and local programs, including EQIP funding for a high tunnel and CAIP assistance for cattle handling facilities.

“Anthony and Eymlin exemplify the resilience and innovation of small farmers in Kentucky,” said Chavous. “They have embraced opportunities to grow their operation while preserving family tradition, and they serve as a model for how farming can provide both livelihood and legacy for the next generation.”

Dr. Marcus Bernard, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources and Director of Land Grant Programs, said Kentucky State is proud to recognize the Brooks family’s leadership.

“Through partnerships with farmers like Anthony and Eymlin, the University fulfills its mission of translating research to the field,” Bernard said. “Their success reflects not only the strength of family farming, but also the critical role small producers play in local food systems.”

Click the link to view a short video profile highlighting Anthony and Eymlin Brooks and the work of TurnerBrooks Farm. The feature showcases their commitment to legacy farming, hands-on education, and community food access.