Ida Huddleston and her family own about 1,200 acres of farmland outside Maysville, Kentucky—and they’ve made national headlines for turning down a $26 million offer from an AI company, according to Local 12 WKRC.
The offer was reportedly far above market value, but the family said no—citing concerns about environmental impact, especially water usage, and a desire to preserve their farmland for future generations.
They also questioned whether the project would truly benefit the local community, despite promises of economic growth and jobs.
The decision highlights a growing trend: as AI infrastructure expands, more rural landowners are being approached for large-scale developments—and not all are willing to sell.
Even with the rejection, the company is still exploring nearby sites, meaning the debate over land, resources, and tech expansion in the area is far from over.
