FRANKFORT (Aug. 16, 2024) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $391,008 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

"Agriculture’s future hinges on the actions we take today," said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Jonathan Shell. "The grant projects approved by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board pave the way for growth and innovation. Agriculture is the backbone of American progress, and every step forward is a step toward a better tomorrow."

County and State Funded Projects

·    Hancock County Cattlemen's Association was approved up to $5,000 in Hancock County funds to support its local youth agriculture cost share program. For more information, contact Evan Tate at evan.tate@uky.edu. 

·    Sugarloaf Mountain Meats and Processing was approved up to $14,705 in multi-county and state funds to make upgrades to the processing facility. For more information, contact Tim Leuenberger at tim@sugarloafmtnmeats.com. 

·    Taylor County Fair Association was approved up to $34,029 in Taylor County funds to support fairground upgrades. For more information, contact Alex Cox at coxbros1066@gmail.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.

Four CAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $290,649:

·    Laurel ($157,500)

·    Trigg ($66,500)*

·    Warren ($6,399)*

·    Washington ($60,250)*

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. 

A DAR in Washington County was approved by the board totaling $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 Fleming County was approved by the board totaling $21,375.

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

A YAIP in Washington County was approved by the board totaling $10,250*.

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

*Existing programs receiving additional funding.

The Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy (KOAP), a division within the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, provides staff support to the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation (KAFC) and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund (KADF). The KADF is administered by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. KOAP ensures Kentucky is being good stewards of dollars from the 1998 Tobacco Settlement Agreement by overseeing the boards’ investments into diversifying and supporting Kentucky agriculture.