Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (July 18, 2025) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $3,433,566 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth today at its monthly board meeting.

"Kentucky’s agricultural sector is growing and that is due, in part, to the work of the Agricultural Development Board," Commissioner of Agriculture and Board Chair Jonathan Shell said. "The Board invests in projects that grow our agricultural community and help farm families strengthen rural communities across the Commonwealth."

County and State Funded Projects

• Berea College, Grow Appalachia was approved up to $440,953 in state funds to run the Eastern Kentucky Direct integrated Grower Support Program (EKY-DIGS) to help Eastern Kentucky farmers adopt efficient production practices, which will lead to growth in the agriculture sector and more profitable farms in the region. For more information, contact Chris M. McKenzie at mckenziec@berea.edu. 

• Creekside Veterinary Clinic was approved up to $55,280 in state funds and $11,056 in multi-county funds to purchase new medical equipment and livestock facilities. For more information, contact Ashlee M. Page at docashlee@creekside-vet.com. 

• Dino's Farm LLC was approved up to $250,000 in state funds as a forgivable loan and $10,000 in Gallatin County funds as a cost reimbursement grant to purchase a meat processing facility and its equipment in Warsaw, KY. For more information, contact Nadia Ghazawi at nadia@nadiaisk.com. 

• Hancock County Cattleman's Association LTD was approved up to $5,000 in Hancock County funds for the Hancock County Youth Agriculture Production Cost-Share Program. For more information, contact Evan Tate at evan.tate@uky.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.

Nineteen CAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties, totaling $2,527,839:

• Bullitt ($82,500)
• Christian ($150,000)
• Clinton ($110,222)
• Elliott ($141,916)
• Garrard ($42,000)*
• Graves ($37,526)
• Hart ($250,000)
• Henry ($264,000)*
• Hickman ($45,500)
• LaRue ($125,000)
• Laurel ($157,500)
• McCracken ($124,831)
• Metcalfe ($191,565)
• Pendleton ($175,981)
• Pike ($40,000)
• Rockcastle ($120,416)*
• Russell ($208,224)
• Taylor ($125,000)
• Warren ($135,658)

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 $39,625:

• Bourbon ($10,000)
• Hart ($15,000)
• Taylor ($14,625)

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. 

One Shared-Use Equipment Program totaling $26,063 was approved by the board in Metcalfe County.

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

Four YAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties, totaling $67,750:

• Fayette ($6,800)
• McCracken ($10,600)
• Taylor ($15,350)
• Warren (35,000)

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

* Existing programs receiving additional funding