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Kentucky is a state with rich history and beautiful landscapes. It's home to numerous large landowners, each with unique stories and properties.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the top 10 landowners in Kentucky.
Top Landowners In Kentucky
| Landowners | Total Acres |
|---|---|
| 1. Brad Kelley | 500,000 |
| 2. Robert Earl Hughes Estate | 200,000 |
| 3. Lee G. Miller | 100,000 |
| 4. The Nature Conservancy | 100,000 |
| 5. M&M Investments | 75,000 |
| 6. East Kentucky Power Cooperative | 55,000 |
| 7. Tompkinsville Holdings | 35,000 |
| 8. The Boy Scouts of America | 20,000 |
| 9. The University of Kentucky | 16,000 |
| 10. James B. Beam Distilling Co. | 7,000 |
1. Brad Kelley
Tobacco billionaire Brad Kelley is the top landowner in Kentucky, owning an impressive 500,000 acres.
His properties span multiple counties, including farmland, timberland, and horse farms.
2. Robert Earl Hughes Estate
The Robert Earl Hughes Estate is a close second, with over 200,000 acres of land.
This vast estate spans multiple counties and includes a variety of properties, from farms to timberland.
3. Lee G. Miller
Lee G. Miller is another notable landowner in Kentucky, with over 100,000 acres of land.
Miller's properties include a mix of forests, farmland, and mineral reserves.
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4. The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a non-profit organization that works to protect and preserve natural habitats.
Through projects such as the Cumberland Forest Project, The Nature Conservancy is safeguarding nearly 100,000 acres of land in Kentucky.
5. M&M Investments
M&M Investments is a company that owns over 75,000 acres of land in Kentucky.
Their properties include a mix of farmland, forests, and mineral reserves.
6. East Kentucky Power Cooperative
The East Kentucky Power Cooperative owns over 55,000 acres of Kentucky land, primarily used for generating electricity through coal mining and power plant operations.
7. Tompkinsville Holdings
Tompkinsville Holdings owns over 35,000 acres of Kentucky land, primarily used for farming and timber production.
8. The Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America owns over 20,000 acres of Kentucky land used for camping, hiking, and outdoor activities.
9. The University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky is a large public research university in Lexington, Kentucky.
The university owns over 16,000 acres of land in the state, which includes the main campus, agricultural research stations, and other properties used for research and education.
10. James B. Beam Distilling Co.
The James B. Beam Distilling Co. owns over 7,000 acres of land in Kentucky, primarily used for growing corn for their bourbon production.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these top 10 landowners in Kentucky collectively own millions of acres of land.
Each landowner has a unique story and purpose for their properties, from non-profit organizations to private companies. Whether preserving natural habitats, producing bourbon, or generating electricity, these landowners play an important role in Kentucky's economy and environment.