FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 19, 2024) – Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $3,527,748 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

“Today’s grant approvals will serve to enhance tomorrow’s agricultural success,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Jonathan Shell. “The grant projects approved by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board provide opportunities for change and growth, opportunities that allow recipients to develop a greater future for our agricultural community.”

County and State Funded Projects
• City of Glasgow was approved up to $375,000 in Barren County and state funds to support the construction of a new farmers' market. For more information, contact April Russell at grants@glasgow-ky.com.
• Clark County Fiscal Court was approved up to $7,250 in Clark County funds to make upgrades to the county’s dead animal composting facility. For more information, contact Allan Curtis at ccfcroaddedpt@clarkcoky.com.
• Grayson County Extension District Board was approved up to $1,000 in Grayson County funds to have a poultry specialist from the University of Georgia visit local farms and host a hot weather workshop. For more information, contact Whitney Carman at whitney.carman@ky.edu.
• Kentucky Small Animal Reproduction Center was approved multi-county funds matched by state funds with an option of a KADF participation loan, not to exceed a total amount of $25,959. This project would support the construction of a small ruminant artificial insemination and embryo transfer host site. For more information, contact Catherine Riley at cmrile4@gmail.com.
• Loretto Grain, LLC was approved up to $750,000 in the form of a KADF participation loan to add additional grain storage at the Danville grain elevator facility. For more information, contact Albert Peterson at albert@peterson-farms.com.
• McLean County Extension District Board was approved up to $3,000 in McLean County funds to support the cost of hosting a poultry ventilation specialist from the University of Georgia to make farm visits and provide an ANR Agent/ Flock Advisor training. For more information, contact David Fourqurean at dfour2@uky.edu.
• Orlinda Melon Company was approved multi-county funds matched by state funds with an option of a KADF participation loan, not to exceed a total amount of $84,968. This project will go toward the purchase and installation of a 38 foot x 38 foot cooler for produce. For more information, contact Willias Jepson at orlindameloncompany@gmail.com.

State Program

On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program
The On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program provides incentives for Kentucky farm families to increase the energy efficiency of existing equipment or facilities on the farm.

Ten On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Programs were approved by the board totaling $67,839:
• Adair ($6,578)
• Daviess ($3,118)
• Hancock ($10,300)
• Hancock ($10,300)
• Monroe ($4,313)
• Monroe ($10,000)
• Rockcastle ($8,072)
• Shelby ($10,300)
• Warren ($3,524)
• Whitley ($1,334)

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.

Sixteen CAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $2,114,029:
• Barren ($278,156)
• Boyle ($115,000)
• Calloway ($109,385)
• Carter ($126,775)
• Clark ($45,000)*
• Edmonson ($75,000)
• Elliott ($164,244)
• Green ($261,079)*
• Hancock ($102,472)
• Hardin ($150,000)
• Hickman ($30,999)
• Marshall ($53,865)
• McCreary ($30,123)
• Metcalfe ($254,000)
• Nicholas ($217,931)
• Taylor ($100,000)

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.

Three DARs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $45,000:

• Boyle ($15,000)
• Marion ($15,000)
• Taylor ($15,000)

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.

A Shared-Use Equipment Program in Marion County was approved by the board totaling $5,588.

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

Three YAIPs in were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $48,115:
• Edmonson ($13,115)
• Nicholas ($20,000)
• Taylor ($15,000)

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

*Existing programs receiving additional funding.