Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (Sept. 11, 2023) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $1,138,643 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

“Strengthening our agricultural communities starts with providing the means necessary for our producers to create diversity,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Dr. Ryan Quarles. “The grants awarded today by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board allows for the continuation of that pursuit to vary our agricultural pursuits across the state.”

County and State Funded Projects
• Goode’s Riverside Creamery LLC was approved up to $71,000 in multi-county funds matched by state funds, with the option to pursue up to $250,000 as a participation loan. This project would support the construction of a creamery with retail space. For more information, contact Greg Goode at greg.goode@windstream.net.
• Lincoln County Fiscal Court was approved up to $7,500 in Lincoln County funds to aid in the construction of a new farmers' market pavilion. For more information, contact Judge Woods Adams at wadams@lincolnky.com.
• Dr. Madelyn Orem, DVM, was approved up to $100,000 in multi-county and state funds to purchase a percentage of the Todd County Animal Clinic. For more information, contact Dr. Madelyn Orem, DVM at mkp0029@auburn.edu.
• Pulaski County Board of Education was approved up to $200,000 in Pulaski County funds to construct an agriculture complex building. For more information, contact Corey Dixon at corey.dixon@pulaski.kyschools.us.
• Todd County Animal Clinic PLLC was approved up to $100,000 in multi-county and state funds to aid in purchasing large and food animal equipment. For more information, contact Dr. John Laster, DVM at jlaster722@gmail.com.
• 3 Stone Farms LLC was approved up to $30,000 in multi-county funds to aid in the construction of a confinement feeding barn. For more information, contact Michelle McBurney at michelle@cattleeq.com.

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 $616,143:
• Boyd ($40,000)
• Breathitt ($75,000)
• Floyd ($79,262)
• Graves ($46,799)
• Jessamine ($100,000)*
• LaRue ($125,000)
• Leslie ($53,481)
• Menifee ($96,601)

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

Two DAR programs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $12,000:
• Oldham ($4,500)
• Russell ($7,500)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)
YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

One YAIP was approved by the board in Leslie County totaling $2,000.

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

*Existing programs receiving additional funding.