Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

LOUISVILLE (Aug. 18, 2025) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $533,249 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth Friday at its monthly board meeting.

"The Agricultural Development Board invests in projects that strengthen our ag community," Commissioner of Agriculture and Board Chair Jonathan Shell said. "These projects are helping to diversify our agricultural landscape and grow our economy, which is a benefit to all of Kentucky."

County and State Funded Projects

• Animal Care Veterinary Center, LLC was approved up to $60,191 in state funds and $12,038 in multi-county funds to purchase a truck and a vet box as part of the Large & Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program. For more information, contact Jacob R. Feese at acvcdvm@gmail.com. 

• Graves County Farm Bureau, Inc was approved up to $5,000 in Graves County funds to purchase grain bin safety harnesses. For more information, contact David J. Cherry at j4grt@yahoo.com. 

• Jarrod Cornett was approved up to $3,750 in state funds for consultation fees as part of the Food Safety and Efficiency Incentives Program. For more information, contact Katelyn L. Fortney at katiefortney81@gmail.com. 

• Lowes Produce was approved up to $127,797 in state funds to build a watermelon processing facility. For more information, contact Shea Lowe at lowefarms@gmail.com. 

• Pennyrile Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc was approved up to $2,500 in Christian County funds for a community garden. For more information, contact Mark Cansler at turner1224@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.

Four CAIPs, totaling $259,873, were approved by the board in the following counties:

• Anderson ($5,000)*

• Carlisle ($112,739)

• Lyon ($60,000)

• Perry ($82,134)

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, totaling $34,400, were approved by the board in the following counties:

• Marion ($15,000)

• Mercer ($15,000)

• Spencer ($4,400)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP) 

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

Three YAIPs, totaling $27,700, were approved by the board in the following counties:

• Caldwell ($2,600)*

• Mercer ($20,000)

• Spencer ($5,100)

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

* Existing programs receiving additional funding