{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Records released Friday show an investigation of former Agriculture Department Commissioner Richie Farmer's tenure found that about $60,000 in gifts were purchased for the 2008 gathering of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture in Lexington. Visiting agriculture commissioners each got a Remington rifle with case, an engraved pocketknife and a custom-made wooden hat, among other gifts. Sponsorships paid by corporations, agricultural associations and individuals covered at least 80 percent of the convention's $208,851 cost. The convention expenses are being examined as part of a special audit of Farmer's 2003-2011 tenure. Current Agriculture Commissioner James Comer requested the audit after questions were the raised about Farmer's management, purchasing and hiring practices. Farmer's attorney, Guthrie True, says he doesn't think there's any reason to think state resources were used on any of the gifts.
