Kentucky farmers reject $26 million AI data center deal over judgment day fears

In Maysville, Kentucky, a mother and daughter farming duo made the extraordinary decision to walk away from a combined $26.4 million offer for their land after learning the prospective buyer intended to construct data centers to power artificial intelligence systems. Delsia Bare and her mother Ida Huddleston, who describe themselves as "country hicks," were initially receptive when representatives from an undisclosed AI company approached them with the lucrative proposal. Bare stood to receive $48,000 per acre for her 463 acres, while Huddleston was offered $60,000 per acre for her 71 acres. The deal would have transformed their financial circumstances overnight, but the two women ultimately prioritized their spiritual convictions and connection to the land over the substantial monetary gain.

The reversal came when the mother and daughter discovered the true purpose behind the land acquisition. Upon learning that the company planned to build data centers on their property to support artificial intelligence operations, both women experienced a profound change of heart. Bare explicitly told the company representatives to "kick rocks and don't come back" after they successfully terminated the agreement. Her decision was rooted in a deeply held religious belief that she would face divine judgment if she allowed the family farm to be converted into an AI hub. Bare expressed concern that she would be "held accountable" on the "Judgment hour" for failing to properly occupy and preserve the land that had been entrusted to her family.

The rejection of the multimillion-dollar offer has placed Bare and Huddleston at the center of a growing controversy that is dividing the Maysville community. While some residents view the data center project as a welcome economic development opportunity and have already agreed to sell their properties for millions of dollars, others share the farmers' concerns about the transformation of their rural landscape. The situation has escalated beyond mere disagreement, with Bare and other like-minded residents filing lawsuits to challenge the construction of the data centers. One particularly contentious legal action would bring neighbors who support the project into court, a development that economic development director Tyler McHugh noted would force some people into a courtroom for the first time in their lives.

The circumstances surrounding the two women make their stance particularly remarkable. Bare is nearly blind, and Huddleston walks with a cane, yet they have emerged as unlikely stalwarts in the fight against the data center development. Bare herself expressed surprise at finding herself in such a position, noting that she never anticipated being "in a battle with a data center" and had believed she was "about as far out in the boondocks as you could get." The situation highlights the complex tensions that arise when rural communities confront the encroachment of technology infrastructure, pitting economic opportunity against traditional values, land stewardship, and deeply held personal beliefs. Meta, when contacted about the situation, stated that no decision has been made regarding operations in the area, leaving the future of the Maysville land and the proposed AI data center project uncertain.