Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (April 18, 2025) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $1,365,578 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

“The projects awarded today help weave a vibrant patchwork of agricultural diversity across Kentucky,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Kentucky Agricultural Development Board Chair Jonathan Shell. “With each investment, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board is helping build a stronger, more resilient, and prosperous future for our farm families and communities.”

County and State Funded Projects

• Barren County Board of Education was approved up to $212,675 in multi-county funds to expand its agriculture education livestock facility to include a USDA meat processing component. For more information, contact Andy Moore at andy.moore@barren.kyschools.us. 

• Bluegrass Animal Clinic was approved up to $49,188 in state funds and $9,838 in county funds as part of the Large & Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program to purchase a truck and Portavet. For more information, contact Dr. Philip Whitley at bluegrassanimalclinic@gmail.com. 

• Grace Elizabeth Boyd was approved up to $23,564 in state funds and $4,713 in county funds as part of the Large & Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program to purchase a truck. For more information, contact Dr. Grace Boyd at Dr.boyd@heritage.vet. 

• Harton Farms LLC was approved up to $3,750 in state funds for consultation fees for assistance in maintaining its Food Safety Plan, and a Good Agricultural Practices audit. For more information, contact Jill Harton at Jill.harton@gmail.com. 

• Kentucky Fresh Harvest was approved up to $3,750 in state funds for food safety consulting to prepare for a third party audit as a part of the Food Safety & Efficiency Incentives Program. For more information, contact Julian Gander at jgander@gandercpa.com. 

• Logan County Agricultural Extension Foundation, Inc was approved up to $7,000 in Logan County funds to purchase fencing to enclose its outdoor arena. For more information, contact Lonny Epley at lonnyepley@yahoo.com. 

• University of Kentucky Research Foundation-UKDRS was approved up to $35,048 in state funds to purchase forage testing equipment. For more information, contact Kim C. Karter at ospa@uky.edu. 

• W&W Veterinary Services, PLLC was approved up to $66,241 in state and Madison County funds to make upgrades to its large animal handling facility as a part of the Large & Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program. For more information, contact Dr. Nicholas Werle at werleDVM@gmail.com. 

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.

Eight CAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $799,811:

• Clay ($270,800)

• Green ($63,000)

• Johnson ($68,000)

• Knott ($38,000)

• Logan ($51,421)

• Mason ($40,000)*

• Rockcastle ($148,590)

• Washington ($120,000)

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. 

Two DARs were approved by the board in following counties totaling $30,000:

• Scott ($15,000)

• Shelby ($15,000)

Next Generation Farmer Program (NextGen)

NextGen addresses the growing need for a specialized program that would benefit producers ages 18 to 40 that have been engaged in an agricultural operation for a minimum of three years. 

One NextGen was approved by the board in Washington County totaling $30,000.

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 $90,000:

• Logan ($70,000)

• Washington ($20,000)

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

*Existing programs receiving additional funding.