Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (Jan. 16, 2026) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $1,595,287 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth Friday at its monthly board meeting.

“Our economy thrives when we see and nurture the value of our agricultural producers,” Commissioner of Agriculture and Board Chair Jonathan Shell said. “The projects awarded today indicate the value our board has placed on farming and the benefit of its diversification to increase our state’s worth.”



County and State Funded Projects

• Gate Keeper Cattle Company, LLC was approved up to $110,000 in multi-county funds matched by state funds for its expansion and construction of a 4,000-foot structure. For more information, contact John N. Jenkin at gatekeepercattleco@gmail.com. 
• Green River Area Agent Association was approved up to $12,900 in multi-county funds to support costs to participate in the Cooperative Extension Leadership Experience. For more information, contact Clint Hardy at chardy@uky.edu. 
• Owensboro Farmers Market, Inc. was approved up to $45,000 in Daviess County funds for a commercial kitchen. For more information, contact Mary Beth Alexander at orfm.manager@gmail.com.
• Washington County Board of Education was approved up to $100,000 in Washington County funds to support the construction of a 40-foot x 60-foot agricultural working facility. For more information, contact Bart Mattingly at bart.mattingly@washington.kyschools.us.

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.

 Seven CAIPs, totaling $1,232,512, were approved by the board in the following counties:

•    Bracken ($246,318)
•    Breathitt ($75,000)
•    Breckinridge ($250,000)
•    Lewis ($273,245)
•    Mason ($264,000)
•    McLean ($56,400)*
•    Simpson ($67,549)

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.

One DAR, totaling $2,500, was approved by the board in Garrard County.

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.

Three Shared-Use Equipment Programs, totaling $43,375, were approved by the board in the following counties:

•     Breckinridge ($12,000)
•     Garrard ($19,425)
•     Pulaski (11,950)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

Three YAIPs, totaling $49,000, were approved by the board in the following counties: 

•     Bracken ($20,000)
•     Breathitt ($10,000)
•     Mason ($19,000)

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

* Existing programs receiving additional funding