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Tim Farmer
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Timothy Farmer (born March 18, 1964) is an American outdoorsman, musician, and television presenter. He is known as the host and executive producer of the television shows Kentucky Afield, Tim Farmer's Country Kitchen, and Tim Farmer's Homemade Jam.,[1] for which he has won a total of five regional Emmy awards.[2] A motorcycle accident in 1984 left Farmer without the use of his right arm, and he has since worked with other Kentuckians to cope with and overcome similar physical disabilities [3][4]

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Farmer grew up in Mason County and Carter County, Kentucky.[5] He is the son of Jerry and Sherry Farmer, and has one older sister, Deborah, and one younger brother, Jonathon.[6] After graduating high school, Tim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After completing basic training in Parris Island South Carolina, Tim was stationed at Millington Naval Air Base, near Memphis, TN. He was honorably discharged following a 1984 motorcycle accident that left him unable to use his right arm.[7]

Television career

[edit]

Kentucky Afield

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Farmer is the former host and executive producer of Kentucky Afield, produced by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. Farmer hosted Kentucky Afield from 1995 until 2016, following previous host Dave Shuffett.[2] Kentucky Afield is the longest continuously running outdoor TV show in the United States, beginning broadcasts in 1953.[8] On the show, Farmer has overcome the physical limitations caused by his right arm's paralysis. Most notably, he has learned to shoot a bow and arrow by drawing the bow with his teeth.[9] Farmer is also known for his sign-off, saying "I hope to see you in the woods or on the water." Tim has won 5 Emmys.

Awards

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  • 1996 KAGC Communicator of the Year[10]
  • 1997 Ashland Community College Distinguished Alumnus Award
  • 1999 Commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Patton
  • 2000 KAGC Gold Screen Award of Excellence
  • 2002 First Place NAGC Gold Screen Competition News Program
  • 2002 Second Place NAGC Gold Screen Competition Educational Program
  • 2003 First Place NAGC Gold Screen Competition News Program
  • 2004 KAGC Award of Excellence
  • 2005 Ohio Valley Regional Emmy Award Recipient for Human Interest
  • 2008 Ohio Valley Regional Emmy Award Recipient for best program host/moderator/narrator[2]
  • 2013 Ohio Valley Regional Emmy Award Recipient for best program host/moderator/narrator
  • 2013 Ohio Valley Regional Emmy Award Recipient for Health Science and Environment
  • 2014 Ohio Valley Regional Emmy Award Recipient for best program host/moderator/narrator[11]
  • 2016 Honored by the Regular Session of The Senate of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Senate Resolution No. 126
  • 2011 Commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Beshear
  • 2023 Kentucky Electric Cooperatives Distinguished Rural Kentuckian [12]

Tim Farmer's Country Kitchen

[edit]

Beginning production in 2012, Tim Farmer's Country Kitchen highlights country recipes and Kentucky restaurants and food producers. The show is hosted by Farmer and his wife Nicki and often features friends and other members of their family. It airs on Kentucky Educational Television stations KET, KET2 and KETKY in Kentucky, is distributed through the National Educational Telecommunications Association to Public Broadcasting System stations nationwide and online at YouTube and CarbonTV.[13][14]

Tim Farmer's Homemade Jam

[edit]

Produced since 2013 and airing on KET, KET2 and KETKY, Tim Farmer's Homemade Jam showcases Kentucky musicians. Guests of the show have included J. D. Crowe, Bobby Osborne and Carl Hurley.

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tim Farmer

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Tim Farmer is an American television host, producer, and former officer renowned for his work in outdoor programming and his inspirational story of overcoming physical adversity to promote Kentucky's natural resources and culinary traditions. Born March 18, 1964, in Louisville, and raised in Mason and Carter Counties, including Maysville and Grayson, Farmer graduated from East Carter High School, where he excelled in track and developed a passion for the outdoors. After enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in December 1983, he suffered a life-altering in June 1984, which resulted in the permanent loss of use of his right arm following extensive rehabilitation. Undeterred, Farmer adapted remarkably, learning to shoot a bow using his mouth and teeth to become an award-winning archer, and he later volunteered at like Cardinal Hill and to assist others with disabilities in adapting to outdoor activities. Farmer dedicated nearly 30 years to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, contributing significantly to restoration efforts, including the 1999 release of that helped establish one of the state's top-rated herds, reintroductions leading to a flock of over 250,000 birds, and restoration creating the largest herd east of the . In 1995, he began hosting Kentucky Afield, the nation's oldest continuously running outdoor television series (originally launched in 1953), which aired on (KET) and focused on hunting, fishing, conservation, and human-interest stories emphasizing accessible outdoor recreation. During his 20-year tenure as host and executive producer until his retirement in December 2015, Farmer earned five for his folksy, engaging style that highlighted everyday enjoyment of nature rather than elite pursuits. In 2025, he marked his 30th year in television hosting. Post-retirement, Farmer shifted focus to culinary media, launching Tim Farmer's Country Kitchen in 2012, a KET series co-hosted with his wife Nicki since 2018 and produced by their daughter Kelli, which features traditional recipes, wild game cooking, gardening, and farming tips filmed at their rural home. The Emmy-nominated show, ongoing with multiple seasons, airs nationally via the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA), reaching approximately 60 million viewers. He also hosted Tim Farmer's Homemade Jam, further blending his interests in preservation and rural life. In recognition of his enduring contributions to rural , Farmer was honored with the Resolution in 2016 for his service and inspiration, and in 2023, he received the Distinguished Rural Kentuckian award from Kentucky Electric Cooperatives.

Early life and military service

Childhood and family background

Tim Farmer was born on March 18, 1964, in , but soon relocated with his parents, Jerry and Sherry Farmer, to rural areas of the state, where he spent his formative years. The family lived in several rural communities, including Georgetown in Scott County, Maysville in Mason County, and Grayson in Carter County, eastern , during the 1960s and 1970s. Growing up in this environment, Farmer developed a strong appreciation for and self-reliance, influenced by the rhythms of rural life and his parents' encouragement of outdoor exploration. He graduated from East Carter High School in Grayson, where he excelled in track, played guitar, and worked part-time at a local K-Mart, all while nurturing his interests in music and athletics. From an early age, Farmer exhibited a fascination with , , and the outdoors, often venturing into the woods near his home to explore and streams; at age 15, he discovered a skull embedded with arrowheads in a neighbor's , igniting his sense of adventure and connection to 's natural heritage. As a child in Carter County, he became an avid viewer of (KET) programs like Kentucky Afield, which featured content on and that mirrored his own passions and taught him practical skills such as selection and conditions. These early exposures to media and storytelling in eastern further shaped his appreciation for local traditions and self-sufficiency. Following high school, Farmer sought greater adventure by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Marine Corps enlistment and injury

Following his graduation from East Carter High School in 1982, Tim Farmer enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at age 18, driven by a strong ambition for a military career and a vision of lifelong service to his country. He planned a 20-year tenure in the Marines, to be followed by a role with the Kentucky State Police starting at age 38. After completing basic training as a recent boot camp graduate, Farmer was stationed in Tennessee in a non-combat role during the early 1980s. In 1984, at age 20, Farmer suffered a severe accident while off-duty on leave, riding along an interstate ramp near . Loose gravel caused his bike to slide at approximately 30 , sending him under a guardrail and flipping him over a , where the vehicle pinned his right arm. The incident resulted in extensive nerve damage and loss of use in his right arm from mid-bicep downward, due to prolonged immobility and blood loss. Farmer underwent months of intensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, including hospital stays that he later described as daunting experiences. Despite his pleas to continue serving, the Marine Corps issued him an honorable medical discharge in the mid-1980s, determining the injury rendered him unfit for duty. Throughout the recovery, Farmer maintained a resilient outlook, referring to his not as a handicap but as a mere "aggravation" that required adaptation rather than defeat. This mindset enabled him to persist with his lifelong passion for outdoor activities, relearning skills like shooting and through innovative techniques, such as using his teeth to draw a bowstring.

Television career

Kentucky Afield

Tim Farmer was appointed as the sixth host of Kentucky Afield in 1995, succeeding Dave Shuffett on the long-running outdoor series produced by the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and aired on (KET). Launched in 1953, the program holds the distinction as the nation's oldest continuously running outdoor television show, with Farmer serving in the role for over two decades until his retirement. The show's magazine-style format featured 30-minute episodes that explored , , conservation efforts, and Kentucky's abundant , all filmed on location throughout the state's varied landscapes from the to the western lowlands. Farmer's energetic and folksy narration brought a personal touch to segments on activities like and , bass in streams such as Elkhorn Creek, and pursuits, while emphasizing practical skills and the beauty of Kentucky's ecosystems. Key themes included promoting ethical practices through stories of traditional methods learned from seasoned outdoorsmen and via improvement tips and discussions. Representative episodes highlighted conservation successes, such as restoring spawning areas for fish or tracking migratory birds to support sustainable populations. As , Farmer oversaw scripting, , and overall production, adapting equipment to accommodate his arm injury sustained during , including custom setups that enabled one-handed operation of cameras and other gear during remote shoots. His hands-on approach ensured authentic portrayals of outdoor life, often incorporating demonstrations of adaptive techniques for viewers with disabilities to encourage broader participation in and . The series earned five during his tenure for outstanding production quality and educational impact. Farmer announced his retirement from the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources in November 2015, concluding his hosting duties after producing more than 500 episodes that inspired generations of Kentuckians to engage with the outdoors responsibly. His final episode aired in early 2016, marking the end of a transformative era for the program.

Tim Farmer's Country Kitchen

Tim Farmer's Country Kitchen is an independently produced cooking television series hosted and executive produced by Tim Farmer, which premiered on October 2, 2012. The show initially aired on KET and expanded nationally, debuting on on January 4, 2016, with further syndication through NETA and stations. The program's concept centers on simple, recipes highlighting Kentucky-sourced ingredients, traditional Southern dishes, and practical skills such as , , meat processing, and smoking. Filmed in a rustic kitchen set on the Farmers' 15-acre property, episodes showcase old-fashioned preparations like Maw Maw's recipes and seasonal meals, often incorporating wild game or home-raised produce to promote sustainable, self-sufficient cooking. Farmer demonstrates these techniques using one arm—resulting from a injury—employing modified utensils and adaptive methods, such as securing tools or using his body for stability, to inspire viewers facing physical challenges. Each 30-minute episode typically features 2-3 recipes prepared step-by-step, interspersed with farm tours, tips on sustainable practices like preserving harvests, and occasional guest appearances by chefs, farmers, or family members who contribute to discussions on sourcing or regional specialties. For instance, segments might include preparing stuffed with a local doctor guest or pizza-making with grandchildren, blending education with personal storytelling to engage audiences. This structure fosters a down-home appeal, differentiating it from more polished cooking shows by integrating real farm life elements. The series has built a dedicated viewership through syndication on public television stations across and surrounding states, as well as streaming availability on platforms like , PBS.org, and the show's website, extending its reach beyond Farmer's original outdoor enthusiasts to include cooking and fans nationwide. By its 11th season around 2023, it had become one of KET's most popular programs, with national distribution via NETA further amplifying its impact on promoting regional culinary traditions.

Tim Farmer's Homemade Jam

Tim Farmer's Homemade Jam is a television series that premiered in , serving as a platform for showcasing Kentucky's emerging musical talent, particularly in bluegrass and genres. Produced by Farmer's company and airing on (KET), KET2, and KETKY, the show features live performances by regional bands and solo artists, emphasizing the state's rich heritage. The format consists of 30-minute episodes centered on musical performances, with Farmer acting as host and emcee, often introducing acts and participating in casual jam sessions despite his arm injury by playing adapted simple instruments like a harmonica or rhythm guitar. Filmed primarily in Kentucky venues such as studios in Lexington or outdoor settings, episodes highlight local groups like Bear Medicine, The Moron Brothers, and The Jenkins Twins, fostering an intimate, live-audience atmosphere that promotes community and cultural exchange. Special episodes, including Christmas specials divided into parts, incorporate seasonal themes while maintaining the core focus on music. A distinctive element of the series is its dedication to "homemade" jam sessions, where musicians improvise together, celebrating unpolished, authentic Appalachian sounds and providing exposure for up-and-coming talent from rural . Farmer's warm, engaging personality—rooted in his outdoor and cooking background—adds anecdotes or brief transitional segments that occasionally nod to culinary tips, linking lightly to his other show, Tim Farmer's Country Kitchen, without delving into full recipes. The show's appeal lies in its role as a cultural preservation effort, blending with on Kentucky's musical traditions, attracting viewers interested in regional and live performances; though it has a shorter run and fewer seasons compared to Farmer's longer-running programs, it continues to air reruns and new content periodically on KET networks.

Other professional activities

Public speaking and advocacy

Tim Farmer has been an active public speaker since the early 2000s, delivering keynote addresses at schools, hospitals, and community events across Kentucky, where he shares his personal story of resilience following a motorcycle accident during his Marine Corps service that left him without the use of his right arm. His talks emphasize overcoming physical challenges through determination and adaptation, often drawing from his experiences as an outdoorsman to inspire audiences, particularly those facing similar limitations. A key aspect of Farmer's advocacy involves promoting adaptive outdoor activities for children and adults with disabilities, including demonstrations of custom equipment to enable , , and other pursuits. He has visited facilities such as Shriners Hospital for Children and Cardinal Hill Healthcare in Lexington to encourage patients, providing one-on-one motivation and showcasing techniques like mouth-held or shoulder-supported shooting. In his outreach to injured veterans, including soldiers from and , Farmer conducts seminars illustrating practical adaptations, stressing that such obstacles are mere "aggravations" rather than insurmountable handicaps, and affirming, "You're not alone. There are plenty of us out here. There are ways around it. Let’s get it done." Farmer's inspirational messaging centers on resilience and pursuing passions despite physical constraints, viewing challenges as temporary hurdles that foster creativity and perseverance. During book signings for his 2005 biography Tim Farmer: A Kentucky Woodsman Restored, he engaged crowds and individuals with disabilities, offering personalized encouragement to reinforce themes of hope and . Following his 2015 retirement from hosting Kentucky Afield, Farmer expanded his speaking engagements, continuing to serve as a motivational figure and with a "can-do" attitude that highlights the joys of outdoor life for all abilities.

Business ventures

Tim Farmer expanded his brand beyond television through various entrepreneurial initiatives, primarily centered around his cooking and outdoor persona. In 2012, coinciding with the launch of Tim Farmer's Country Kitchen, he established timfarmerscountrykitchen.com, a that serves as a hub for recipes, fan engagement, and , allowing visitors to access show-inspired content and purchase branded merchandise. He also operates Tim Farmer’s , offering event catering, private chef services, and farm tours featuring traditional meals prepared at his rural home. The site's online store offers a range of products tied to Farmer's rural , including cookbooks featuring recipes from the show, branded blends, apparel such as T-shirts and aprons, and other essentials. items, such as sauces and jellies—including Asian , balsamic sauce, jelly, and buffalo sauce—are also available, often drawing from traditional recipes demonstrated on air. These products emphasize homemade, farm-fresh flavors, with a brief tie-in to the show's focus on and preserving techniques. Sales occur both online and through physical retail partnerships at locations, such as A Taste of Kentucky in Louisville and Amerson Farms Country Store, enabling broader accessibility at local events and markets. Farmer has cultivated collaborations with regional sponsors and businesses that align with his emphasis on sustainable, local sourcing, including Amerson Farms Country Store for products and other entities like Marksbury Farm Market, reflecting his deep ties to Kentucky's agricultural community. These partnerships support product development and distribution, promoting eco-friendly practices in food production and rural . Complementing these efforts, Tim Farmer Productions, operated by Farmer since the early 2010s, provides commercial video services including documentaries, event coverage, and marketing campaigns, extending his media expertise into business consulting for brands seeking authentic rural narratives. Social media channels, such as YouTube and Facebook, further monetize content through sponsorship integrations and viewer subscriptions, with the YouTube channel hosting full episodes and recipe tutorials to drive traffic to merchandise sales.

Awards and honors

Farmer has received numerous awards for his contributions to outdoor programming, conservation, and rural life in . He won five regional from the Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his hosting and production work on Kentucky Afield between 2006 and 2016. In 2016, the honored Farmer with Senate Resolution No. 126, recognizing his over 25 years of service to Kentucky's sportsmen and women, his role in wildlife restoration, and his inspirational career. In 2023, Electric Cooperatives presented Farmer with the Distinguished Rural Kentuckian award, the organization's highest honor, for his enduring promotion of rural through media and advocacy.

References

  1. https://nkytribune.com/2015/12/kentucky-by-heart-kentuckys-premiere-outdoorsman-a-testimony-to-overcoming-adversity/
  2. https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/16RS/sr126/bill.pdf
  3. https://www.wmky.org/arts-culture/2015-11-29/kentucky-afield-tv-host-tim-farmer-to-retire
  4. https://frankthemagazine.com/life-kentucky-afield/
  5. https://www.facebook.com/TimFarmersCountryKitchen/posts/2025-is-going-to-be-our-most-fun-year-ever-there-are-a-lot-of-interesting-landma/1009810921183885/
  6. https://kyelectric.coop/2023/08/09/tim-farmer-honored-as-2023-distinguished-rural-kentuckian/
  7. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/outdoors/2015/11/28/kentucky-afield-host-tim-farmer-says-farewell-to-show-wildlife-hunting-fishing-archery/76496850/
  8. https://ket.org/making-a-difference/just-pure-kentucky/
  9. https://www.wave3.com/story/5672088/soldier-who-lost-use-of-arm-says-its-an-aggravation-not-handicap/
  10. https://fw.ky.gov/Kentucky-Afield/pages/television.aspx
  11. https://www.timfarmerscountrykitchen.com/timfarmer-media
  12. https://www.pbs.org/video/kentucky-afield-tim-farmers-final-show/
  13. https://ket.org/program/kentucky-afield/learning-from-the-old-timers/
  14. https://www.pbs.org/video/kentucky-afield-fishing-elkhorn-creek-and-habitat-tips/
  15. https://nkytribune.com/2015/11/tim-farmer-popular-television-host-announces-he-is-leaving-kets-kentucky-afield-program/
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29372017/
  17. https://agwired.com/2015/12/31/rfd-tv-lineup-to-offer-new-music-cooking-and-equine-shows/
  18. https://www.pbs.org/show/tim-farmers-country-kitchen/
  19. https://www.timfarmerscountrykitchen.com/about-tim
  20. https://www.pbs.org/video/bow-fishing-for-tilapia-in-florida-seafood-stew-bouillabaisse-and-pan-seared-tilapia-jlgryf/
  21. https://ket.org/program/tim-farmers-country-kitchen-14451/
  22. https://tv.apple.com/ca/show/tim-farmers-country-kitchen/umc.cmc.2qbx916ik0bj40e7tnlnt3n97
  23. https://www.timfarmerscountrykitchen.com/watch-episodes
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvnaiWF-nM4
  25. https://ket.org/program/tim-farmers-homemade-jam/
  26. https://www.facebook.com/TimFarmersHomemadeJam/
  27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3mmy0J-k_w
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imIaWpMajCw
  29. https://ket.org/program/tim-farmers-homemade-jam/christmas-show-part-2/
  30. https://idigbluegrass.com/tim-farmers-homemade-jam/
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH_xC5jWFy0
  32. https://www.timfarmerscountrykitchen.com/
  33. https://www.timfarmerscountrykitchen.com/store
  34. https://www.timfarmerscountrykitchen.com/sauces
  35. https://www.timfarmerscountrykitchen.com/store-locations-products
  36. https://www.timfarmerscountrykitchen.com/sponsors
  37. https://www.timfarmerscountrykitchen.com/tim-farmer-productions
  38. https://www.youtube.com/timfarmerck
  39. https://www.facebook.com/TimFarmersCountryKitchen
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