Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (Feb. 20, 2026) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $700,317 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth Friday at its monthly board meeting.

“Diversity in our agricultural landscape spells success for our farm producers,” Commissioner of Agriculture and Board Chair Jonathan Shell said. “The projects awarded today by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board increase the economic value farming has for our farm families and our Commonwealth.”

County and State Funded Projects

• Commonwealth Veterinary Clinic, PLLC was approved up to $20,833 in state funds and $4,167 in Scott County funds as part of the Large & Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program to purchase a mobile X-ray unit to enhance on-farm diagnostic capabilities for large animal patients. For more information, contact Dr. Abbey Biddle Clifford at abbeybiddle.dvm@gmail.com. 

• Metcalfe County 4-H Council, Incorporated was approved up to $2,351 in Metcalfe County funds to purchase 45 hams for Metcalfe County 4-H members. For more information, contact Marla Young at marla.young@uky.edu. 

• West Liberty Veterinary Clinic Operations LLC. was approved up to $83,333 in state funds and $16,667 in multi-county funds as part of the Large & Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program to construct a new cattle working facility at its clinic. For more information, contact Dr. Laura Howard at westlibertyvet@gmail.com. 

On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program

The On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program provides incentives for Kentucky farm families to increase the energy efficiency of existing equipment or facilities on the farm. 

Two On-Farm Energy Programs, totaling $10,966, were approved by the board in the following counties:

• Bath ($6,300)

• Wayne ($4,666)

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.

Six CAIPs, totaling $522,000, were approved by the board in the following counties:

• Fayette ($225,000)

• Green ($30,000)

• Jessamine ($50,000)*

• Kenton ($108,000)

• Owen ($20,000)

• Rowan ($89,000)

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, totaling $20,000, were approved by the board in the following counties:

• Hardin ($12,500)

• Russell ($7,500)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP) 

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

One YAIP, totaling $20,000, was approved by the board in Fayette County. 

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

* Existing programs receiving additional funding