Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has congratulated Kentucky farmers for surpassing $4 billion in cash receipts for the fourth year in a row.

Farmer said the state's agriculture industry achieved the feat despite economic challenges.

The University of Kentucky reported that cash receipts for 2009 will total $4.29 billion, 11 percent lower than last year's record $4.84 billion total but even with the five-year average of $4.28 billion.

University economists are predicting gains in cash receipts for livestock next year and possibly "minor improvements in sales of fruits, vegetables, greenhouse products and small grains.