Agriculture Commissioner Shell honors life and legacy of former Agriculture Commissioner Billy Ray Smith

Commissioner Smith made history as Kentucky’s first two-term Ag Commissioner, established Kentucky’s Farm and Home Safety Program

FRANKFORT, KY (Oct. 12, 2026) – Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell issued the following statement honoring the life and legacy of former Agriculture Commissioner Billy Ray Smith:

"My heart is heavy today as we remember the life and legacy of Billy Ray Smith. Kentucky has been blessed with remarkable leaders in agriculture, and Billy Ray was certainly one of them.

"Kentucky agriculture owes Billy Ray a great deal. He made history as Kentucky’s first two-term Agriculture Commissioner. But more importantly, he was a farmer’s Commissioner. It was never about press releases or what’s next in politics. He was there to do the job and serve Kentucky farmers.

"Among his greatest legacies was helping establish Kentucky’s Farm and Home Safety Program, an initiative that has helped prevent countless tragedies across the Commonwealth.

"Like so many others, I’m grateful for his leadership, his service, and the example he set for those of us who have followed in his footsteps. Please join me in praying for his family and all who knew and loved him."

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