Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (Dec. 20, 2024) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $7,823,767 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

"By creating new opportunities for agricultural producers across the state, we are building a stronger economy," said Commissioner of Agriculture and Kentucky Agricultural Development Board Chair Jonathan Shell. "The projects approved by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board are key steps toward opening those pathways and securing a better future for Kentucky."

County and State Funded Projects

• Cowan Community Action Group, Inc. was approved up to $251,000 in state and Letcher County funds to build a farmers' market pavilion. For more information, contact Valerie Horn at valerie@cowancommunitycenter.com. 

• Hopkins County Farm Bureau was approved up to $2,200 in Hopkins County funds to purchase grain rescue equipment for local EMS to utilize in case of a grain entrapment accident. For more information, contact Dr. Terry Brown at terryebrown@bellsouth.net. 

• Kentucky Beef Network, LLC was approved up to $2,316,516 in state funds to continue to provide programs to cattle producers that will enhance their net returns through increased marketing opportunities, data management, education and comprehensive farm management systems. For more information, contact Becky Thompson at bthompson@kycattle.org. 

• Kentucky Dairy Development Council, Inc. was approved up to $1,291,560 in state funds to continue educating, representing, and promoting Kentucky's dairy producers and industry. For more information, contact Freeman Brundige at fhbrundige@gmail.com. 

• Kentucky Department of Agriculture was approved up to $3,189,000 in state funds to fund the Kentucky Proud Program. For more information, contact Jay Hall at Jay.Hall@ky.gov. 

• Spencer County Fiscal Court was approved up to $250,000 in state funds and $50,000 in Spencer County funds for the construction of a farmers' market. For more information, contact Judge Scott Travis at scotttravis@spencercountyky.gov. 

• University of Kentucky Research Foundation was approved up to $44,823 in state funds to update the Beef Systems Analyzer software. For more information, contact Kim Carter at OSPA@uky.edu. 

• Woodford County Board of Education was approved up to $40,000 in Woodford County funds to construct a new livestock education barn. For more information, contact Danny Adkins at danny.adkins@woodford.kyschools.us. 

County Programs

County Agricultural Incentive 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.

Six CAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $361,668:

• Adair ($14,939)*

• Crittenden ($30,000)

• Harlan ($89,727)

• Jessamine ($100,000)*

• Leslie ($52,002)

• Taylor ($75,000)*

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. 

One DAR was approved by the board in the following county totaling $5,000.

• Oldham County ($5,000)

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.

One Shared-Use Equipment program was approved by the board totaling $17,000:

• Rockcastle County ($17,000)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP) 

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

One YAIP was approved by the board in the following county totaling $5,000.

• Harlan ($5,000)

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

*Existing programs receiving additional funding.

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