Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (May 15, 2026) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $5,271,015 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth Friday at its monthly board meeting.

“Diversity in agriculture creates a more robust industry and that’s exactly what we are striving for in Kentucky,” Commissioner of Agriculture and Board Chair Jonathan Shell said. “The projects awarded today by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board builds that foundation of diversity, adding resiliency and strength to our farming communities.”

County and State Funded Projects

• Casey County Veterinary Services, PLLC was approved up to $83,000 in state funds and $17,000 in multi-county funds to build a handling and treatment facility as part of the Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program. For more information, contact Dr. Courtney Brockman at Clw0022@auburn.edu. 

• Conyea Property Holdings, LLC was approved for county matched by state funds as a cost reimbursement grant, with the difference of a forgivable loan, up to $250,000 to purchase and convert an existing facility into a packaging warehouse for produce. For more information, contact Ronald Conyea at ronconyea@gmail.com.

• Daviess County Conservation District was approved up to $10,000 in Daviess County funds for the Daviess County Youth Agricultural Production Cost Share Program. For more information, contact Sarah Collum at sarah.collum@ky.nacdnet.net.

• Grayson County Fiscal Court was approved up to $250,000 in state funds and $10,000 in Grayson County funds to construct a farmers' market building. For more information, contact Joseph Cantway at scottie.cantway@leitchfield.org.

• Henry County Cattleman's Association was approved up to $10,500 in Henry County funds to run a youth cost-share program for FFA and 4-H projects in Henry County. For more information, contact Kathy Wilson at kathymwilson87@gmail.com.

• Historic Homes Foundation dba Farmington was approved up to $200 in Jefferson County funds and $14,800 in state funds for a feasibility study on establishing a farm stop market on its property that includes a cafe and cidery. For more information, contact Michel Aldridge at michael@historichomes.org. 

• Rock Solid Veterinary Services, PLLC was approved up to $48,560 in state funds and $9,172 in multi-county funds to purchase a truck and vet box as part of the Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program. For more information, contact Dr. Stephen Ray at Rocksolidvet@yahoo.com.

• Stone Veterinary Clinic PLLC was approved up to $83,333 in state funds and $16,667 in multi-county funds to expand its large animal haul-in facility and install a hydraulic tilt chute as part of the Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program. For more information, contact Caleb Jenkin at cjenkin86@gmail.com.

• Town & Country Animal Services, LLC was approved up to $83,333 in state funds and $16,667 in multi-county funds to purchase cattle handling facilities, and necessary equipment needed to upgrade the existing facility as part of the Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program. For more information, contact Cecelia Taylor at townandcountryanimalservices@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.

Thirty-seven CAIPs, totaling $4,087,008, were approved in the following counties:

• Adair ($150,000)

• Boyle ($95,000)

• Campbell ($28,195)

• Carroll ($140,659)

• Casey ($230,000)

• Christian ($200,000)

• Clark ($125,000)

• Crittenden ($72,951)

• Cumberland ($123,515)

• Daviess ($100,000)

• Graves ($45,727)

• Hancock ($84,339)

• Henderson ($33,745)

• Hopkins ($70,000)

• Jefferson ($30,000)

• Jessamine ($100,000)

• Leslie ($75,000)

• Lincoln ($180,000)

• Magoffin ($125,000)

• Marion ($153,090)

• Marshall ($66,945)

• Martin ($40,000)

• Mason ($59,000)*

• McCreary ($28,054)

• McLean ($28,750)

• Meade ($64,796)

• Mercer ($147,835)

• Montgomery ($130,000)*

• Morgan ($157,046)

• Muhlenberg ($38,011)

• Owen ($280,000)*

• Pulaski ($471,301)

• Spencer ($125,500)

• Trimble ($141,870)

• Union ($20,000)

• Webster ($27,279)

• Wolfe ($98,400)

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.

Six DARs, totaling $79,625, were approved in the following counties:

• Boyle ($15,000)

• Bracken ($5,000)

• Clark ($15,000)

• Marion ($15,000)

• Montgomery ($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.

Four Shared-Use Equipment Programs, totaling $90,150, were approved by the board in the following counties:

• Barren ($33,375)

• Marion ($2,775)

• Monroe ($27,000)

• Monroe ($27,000)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP) 

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

Nine YAIPs, totaling $111,000, were approved in the following counties:

• Campbell ($2,000)

• Carroll ($15,000)

• Clark ($40,000)

• Hardin ($6,000)

• Henderson ($10,000)

• McLean ($3,000)

• Ohio ($10,000)

• Trimble ($20,000)

• Webster ($5,000)

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