Yesterday we sat down with Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Schell to talk about the upcoming State Fair and new agriculture policy.

Shell is approaching the end of his first term, and has been vocal about wanting to get fellow Republicans elected to higher office.

So what does the political future hold for the Commissioner?

Our Emily Prince asked him about that in part two of their conversation.

One of the final things I want to talk to you about.

You know, Fancy Farm already feels like it was forever ago, but it was just a couple weeks back.

I know you were in western Kentucky and Graves County for many events, but didn't get to attend the political speaking on August 1st because of the loss of Dale Dobson, a major player in agriculture community, which we send our condolences for his loss.

But you didn't get to speak on August 1st.

So I want to take this time just to ask you, what does the next year look like for you?

You know, you're coming on the end of this first term as Commissioner of Agriculture.

You mentioned in other interviews maybe what's your plans or what does the next year look like for you?

Yeah.

So I'm running for reelection.

I love this job.

I tell people all the time, I don't know if I'm doing a good job, but I love doing it.

And we we really enjoy it.

There's no better position in the state or actually impact people on a daily basis than being a commissioner.

I mean, we're out all the time, constantly, and really working on meaningful policy that saturates to the core level of our farm community.

But for the rest of the year, you know, my focus is going to be on politically, will be on helping Andy Barr get elected.

The US Senate.

But my my goal for many years now has been to get Komar to come back and run for governor.

And our first district Congressman, James Comer is one of my best friends.

And I think you saw that same pretty sick at the at the Fancy Farm picnic.

I think every person who spoke endorsed him and asked him to run as they were going through on the Republican ticket.

And we're going to be really focused on making sure that he gets re elected to Congress and hopefully come back and run for governor.

And I think I'm pretty confident that he's going to do so.

And and that we need that leadership in Frankfort.

We need someone who has the leadership to work with the state legislature in the constitutional offices that has an understanding of how to connect rural Kentucky and urban Kentucky and present the values that we represent here in Kentucky, and someone who has fought corruption and so many terrible things on the federal level.

And his position is as oversight chair.

And so I'm dedicated and really focused on helping make sure that that happens for him, because I know personally him he's one of my best friends, and I can tell you that he will be the best governor that we've ever had in this state.

And he understands how all of the functions work and the solutions that we need in order to help make it better for the citizens of this state.

So I think that's really what my next year is going to look like.

It's kind of the theme that came out of Fancy Farm, I think, especially with the announcement from Mike Adams, who did a great job in the interviews afterwards, explaining why he did what he did and grateful that we're we're able to have some solidarity amongst our Republican Party right now and really look forward to having that unity to where we can we can really make a big effort in November of next year.

All right.

And I know you've said several times you like to be present in the position where you're at, but with what you just said, I'd be remiss if I didn't ask if a certain best friend of yours called you up and said, Jonathan, I'm looking for a lieutenant governor to run with me.

What would you say?

Have you thought about that situation?

I've got too much still left to do as a commissioner, and I love, I love James Comer.

He's one of my best friends, and we've had a lot of conversations, but.

But he knows where my heart is, and it's with the community.

Know what happens after the next four years?

If we're fortunate enough to win reelection, you know, is yet to be determined.

But, you know, I've got a farm in operation and four kids at home.

And I never try to be that ambitious politician.

I just want to do the job that that I can the best that I can for the people that I represent.

And, you know, if I feel that calling afterwards, we'll see what's open.

But I never try to plan too far ahead with that, what I tell people and especially like interns and young groups that I talk to, you know, a lot of people are like, you need to set goals.

You need to set goals.

Well, my goal has always been just to be the difference maker and wherever I'm at, and opportunities come with that.

And so I just want to make a difference for the people that I represent, the agriculture community and really continue to be on this, I think, amazing trajectory of really adding value to our farm communities, profitability and market availability for them.

All right.

There you go.

Well, we'll look forward to catching up with you.

Whatever the future holds or we'll keep an eye out for you.

Commissioner shell.

Thank you so much for taking the time today.

Good luck with the State Fair.

I'm sure we'll see you there.

Thank you for your perspective on many things.

Agriculture.

We appreciate it.

Thank you.