Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (Aug. 21, 2026) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $2,583,685 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth Friday at its monthly board meeting.

“Diversification equates to strength for our agricultural communities,” Commissioner of Agriculture and Board Chair Jonathan Shell said. “Kentucky Agricultural Development Board recognizes this need for strength. The projects awarded today will create a stronger farming community for our state and our farmers.”

County and State Funded Projects

• Berkshire Farms LLC 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 Morgan Berkshire at morganberkshire@gmail.com. 

• Creekside Veterinary Services, LLC was approved up to $16,667 in multi-county funds and up to $83,333 in state funds as part of the Large & Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program to purchase a vet box and truck, and to upgrade the existing facility. For more information, contact Travis Sulfridge at sulfridget@gmail.com. 

• Prime Poultry Partners LLC was approved up to $4,000 in Taylor County funds and a forgivable loan, up to $162,755 to purchase equipment for a poultry processing facility in Taylor County. For more information, contact Ervin Lee at ervinalee1993@gmail.com. 

• Southern States Glasgow Cooperative, Inc was approved up to $62,500 in multi- county funds committed, and up to $937,500 as a participation loan to construct a new fertilizer plant. For more information, contact Billy Beckham at billy.beckham@glasgowcoop.com. 

• Webster County Fiscal Court was approved up to $1,000 in Webster County funds and up to $59,277 in state funds to construct a farmers' market pavilion. For more information, contact Steve Henry at Steve.henry@websterco.org.

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.

Ten CAIPs, totaling $1,178,723 were approved in the following counties:

• Carter ($93,575)

• Clinton ($117,365)

• Edmonson ($75,000)

• Elliott ($160,627)

• Knox ($94,212)

• LaRue ($110,000)

• Owsley ($112,000)*

• Russell ($175,144)

• Taylor ($130,000)

• Wayne ($110,800)

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 $18,230, were approved in the following counties:

• Hart ($15,000)

• Spencer ($3,230)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

Four YAIPs, totaling $55,950, were approved in the following counties:

• Edmonson ($10,000)

• Spencer ($5,100)

• Taylor ($21,350)

• Wayne ($19,500)

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

For more information on KADB projects, contact Bill McCloskey at Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy at (502) 382-6093 or email koap@ky.gov.