Mother and Daughter Say No to AI Companies in Kentucky
In Kentucky, a mother and daughter are expressing a straightforward message to artificial intelligence companies: they want them to leave their farmland alone. Ida Huddleston and her daughter, Delucia Baer, believe their land has provided sustenance to the country for many generations, and they intend to keep it that way.
The family has gained attention recently due to their long-standing ownership of the farmland, which they claim has been in the family since the 1860s—after the Civil War. This scrutiny arose when an anonymous buyer attempted to acquire their property for a large data center.
Mr. Baer mentioned that potential buyers approached a local dealer in Lexington, Kentucky, asking not to disclose their identities. This lack of transparency raised eyebrows, especially for her. “It feels like, well, a huge red flag,” she remarked.
The offers on the table were substantial: $60,000 per acre for 71 acres of Huddleston’s land and $48,000 per acre for 463 acres owned by Baer, totaling nearly $26 million. Interestingly, this amount is approximately ten times the usual worth of agricultural land in the region.
Huddleston indicated that they have refused multiple offers and intend to continue doing so. “This isn’t merely a business ordeal for us. It feels like harassment,” the 82-year-old stated. She also emphasized her lack of interest in the money, expressing empathy for their neighbors who might be affected by ongoing developments.
Meanwhile, the Maysville-Mason County Area Economic Development Director stated that the proposed data center could generate 400 permanent jobs and over 1,500 construction positions. However, Huddleston challenged those figures. “I doubt there would be more than 50 jobs, and honestly, many would likely be elsewhere,” she remarked.
The family’s history in farming is consistently highlighted in reports, underpinning their refusal to sell. Baer stated, “I’m committed to staying and ensuring the land continues to serve its purpose.” She recollected how her family had historically supported the nation, particularly through tumultuous times like the Great Depression.
Huddleston echoed Baer’s sentiments, adding insight into a concerning trend. “They might dismiss us as just old farmers, but we understand the gravity of food security and land preservation. We know these issues intimately.” Her opinion on the job promises? “It seems false. It feels like a scam to me.”
Another family in the area had also rejected an offer—nearly $8 million—for their land under similar circumstances. Andy Grosser shared that the land holds deep significance for his father.
Baer likened her passion for the land to Scarlett O’Hara’s enduring connection in “Gone with the Wind.” “As long as I’m here, as long as this land sustains me, I feel invincible,” she said.
