Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (Nov. 15, 2024) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $4,804,074 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

"Diversity is a source of strength, and that strength is essential to building a thriving agricultural community," said Commissioner of Agriculture and Kentucky Agricultural Development Board Chair Jonathan Shell. "These projects awarded by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board are designed to promote that diversity, paving the way for a stronger, more resilient future for Kentucky agriculture."

County and State Funded Projects

• Animal House Veterinary Clinic was approved up to $50,000 in state funds and $10,000 in Laurel County funds as part of the Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program to purchase a truck. For more information, contact Dr. Douglas W. House at dwhouse004@gmail.com. 

• Benjamin B. Stivers was approved up to $66,310 in state funds and $13,262 in multi-county funds to purchase a truck with a vet box and an ultrasound machine as part of the Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program. For more information, contact Susie Stivers at susiestivers@icloud.com. 

• Dr Prather's Farm Animal Veterinary Services LLC was approved up to $1,875 in state funds and $375 in county funds to purchase equine dental equipment as part of the Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program. For more information, contact Dr. Nicholas B. Prather at Nbp0009@auburn.edu. 

• Jingleheim Ranch & Gardens, LLC was approved for multi-county funds matched by state funds with an option of a KADF participation loan, not to exceed a total of $89,500 for the purchase of a facility and updates for a commercial/certified kitchen. For more information, contact Jay J. Price at jingleheimranch@gmail.com. 

• Keeneland Sustainability, LLC was approved up to $1,000,000 in form of a KADF participation loan to build a gasification system to process muck into biochar. For more information, contact Hunter M. Stout at hstout@keeneland.com. 

• Kentucky Horticulture Council was approved up to $2,061,362 in state funds over a two-year period to expand technical assistance, education, research, market analysis and market access for Kentucky's growing horticulture industry. For more information, contact Dr. Cindy Finneseth at cindy@KYHortCouncil.org. 

• Mountain Animal Clinic, LLC was approved up to $14,730 in state funds and $2,934 in multi-county funds to purchase an ultrasound machine, squeeze chute, and a dart gun as part of the Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program. For more information, contact Dr. Benjamin M. Cornettt at mountainanimalclinic@outlook.com. 

County Programs

County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP) 

CAIP provides Kentucky agricultural producers with cost-share assistance on practices to allow them to improve and diversify their current farm operations. CAIP covers a wide variety of agricultural enterprises in its 11 investment areas, including, but not limited to, beef and dairy cattle; farm infrastructure, fencing, and water enhancement; equine; forage; goats and sheep; horticulture; poultry; swine; bees and honey; timber and technology, as well as energy efficiency and production; marketing; and value-added production.

Eight CAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $1,368,966:

• Boone ($99,164)

• Fleming ($230,275)

• LaRue ($125,000)

• Mason ($230,000)

• Menifee ($90,215)

• Pendleton ($190,440)

• Todd ($209,872)

• Woodford ($194,000)

Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR)

The Deceased Farm Animal Removal Program serves as a measure to facilitate the coordination of environmentally sound and cost-effective disposal of deceased livestock for Kentucky producers. 

Two DARs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $16,660.

• LaRue ($1,660)

• Lincoln ($15,000)

Next Generation Farmer Program (NextGen)

NextGen addresses the growing need for a specialized program that would benefit producers ages 18 to 40 that have been engaged in an agricultural operation for a minimum of three years. 

One NextGen was approved by the board in the following county totaling $40,000.

• Fleming ($40,000)

Shared-Use Equipment Program

The Shared-Use Equipment Program assists broad-based community organizations with the

purchase of farm equipment. The equipment purchased is made available for producer use in a specific county on a leased basis.

Two Shared-Use Equipment programs were approved by the board totaling $8,100:

• Lee ($7,200)

• Lee ($900)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP) 

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

Three YAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $60,000.

• Barren ($10,000)

• Fleming ($25,000)

• Mason ($25,000)

All application periods and deadlines for CAIP, NextGen, and YAIP will be advertised locally.