Buy Local Coordinator

“Be comfortable with asking the "Why?" questions. Don't be afraid to try something that is completely out of your wheelhouse. Pushing against your comfort zone will expand your impact in the industry in ways you could never predict.”

Grace Ragain, Buy Local Coordinator, Kentucky Department of Agriculture

Grace Ragain works for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture as a Buy Local Coordinator and has been with the KDA for the past three years. Prior to that, Grace was studying Community & Leadership Development, Plant & Soil Sciences, & Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Kentucky.

Grace enjoys that her career allows her to experience something new every day. She was intrigued by a career field in agriculture, as it presented her with the opportunity to focus on her strengths while also expanding her knowledge on everything she wanted to know.

During her time with KDA, Grace has helped coordinate some of the biggest events in Kentucky. From agricultural conferences, summits, Awareness Days, and even the Kentucky State Fair! In her daily activities, Grace works with Kentucky Proud food service entities to procure local Kentucky farm products for Kentucky restaurants, ensuring their delicious products reach the hungry hands of the consumer while also bolstering Kentucky businesses.

When asked if she would go back and do anything different, Grace mentions she wishes she would’ve gotten into agriculture sooner than her junior year of college. She also believes a meaningful agricultural internship would’ve benefitted her post-collegiate career.