Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (March 21, 2025) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $2,195,289 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

"Diversity is what keeps Kentucky agriculture strong and relevant for our producers," said Commissioner of Agriculture and Kentucky Agricultural Development Board Chair Jonathan Shell. "The projects funded this month by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board will help sustain that diversity, fostering stronger communities and a more prosperous future."

County and State Funded Projects

• Hopkinsville Elevator Company, Inc was approved up to $300,000 in multi-county funds to renew, expand, and develop rail accessibility. For more information, contact Ben Westerfield at ben@hop-elevator.com. 

• Sugarloaf Mountain Meats and Processing was approved up to $3,750 in state funds for funding consultation fees for a PAX Food Safety Consulting, and HACCP certification and training. For more information, contact Tim Leuenberger at tim@sugarloafmtnmeats.com. 

• Three Rivers Vet Services was approved up to $56,250 in state and multi-county funds to purchase a truck for large animal ambulatory service as part of the Large & Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program. For more information, contact Dr. Ryan V Reems at rzr0046@auburn.edu. 

County Programs

County Agricultural Incentives 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 incentive 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.

Ten CAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $1,724,595:

• Bath ($263,000)

• Garrard ($350,000)

• Lawrence ($150,000)

• Letcher ($49,287)

• Madison ($280,000)

• Montgomery ($80,000)

• Ohio ($135,000)

• Owen ($20,000)

• Robertson ($276,790)

• Wolfe ($120,518)

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 Madison County totaling $10,000.

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 in the following counties, totaling $50,694:

• Barren ($21,069)

• Madison ($29,625)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP) 

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

Two YAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties, totaling $50,000:

• Bath ($35,000)

• Owen ($15,000)

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

*Existing programs receiving additional funding.