Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (June 16, 2023) - The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $4,364,618 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

“The grants awarded today will enhance the ability of Kentucky’s agriculture community to build upon its already vast achievements,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Dr. Ryan Quarles. “The Kentucky Agriculture Development Board's focus on a variety ofprojects and programs helps encourage diversity among our agriculture community and builds more farming and agricultural capabilities across the commonwealth.”

County and State Funded Projects

• Anderson County Farm Service, Inc. was approved up to $169,300 in multi-county funds, with the option to pursue the remaining balance from a loan with Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation (KAFC). This project will support the modernization of the existing feed manufacturing plant. For more information, contact Ben Tinsley at ben.acfs@gmail.com.
• Circle T Ranch Summer Horse Camp was approved up to $51,509 in multi-county funds to support camp restoration. For more information, contact Lisa Bush at circletranch@bellsouth.net.
• Loretto Grain, LLC was approved up to $1,000,000 in matching county and state funds, with the option to pursue the remaining uncommitted balance in the form of a participation loan, to aid in building a grain elevator. For more information, contact Albert Peterson at albert@peterson-farms.com.
• McLean County Cooperative Extension was approved $2,000 in McLean County funds to support the costs of a poultry specialist to speak at the Summer Ventilation Farm Visits. For more information, contact David Fourqurean at dfour2@uky.edu.
• Organic Association of Kentucky was approved up to $369,684 in state funds over a two-year period to aid in program positions. For more information, contact Brooke Gentile at brooke@oak-ky.org.
• Pike Veterinary Services, LLC was approved up to $100,000 in state and Hart County funds to support the purchase of Hartland Animal Hospital practice. For more information, contact Dr. Andrew Pike at pikevetservicesbilling@gmail.com.
• Reclaimed Ranch Fiber Mill, LLC was approved up to $127,626 in multi-county funds matched by state funds to establish a micro-processing service and mini mill in Northern Kentucky. If the applicant does not receive multi-county fund commitments, then they have been offered the option to pursue a loan with KAFC. For more information, contact Melissa Kaale at reclaimedranchky@gmail.com.
• University of Kentucky Research Foundation was approved up to $158,010 in state funds to support the continued research of Kentucky hay production used in the equine industry. For more information, contact Dr. Ray Smith at raysmith1@uky.edu
• Warner Fertilizer Company, Inc. was approved up to $124,284 in multi-county funds, contingent upon county support, to support the startup of aerial drone services. For more information, contact Ricky Maxey at rmaxey@warnerfc.com.

State Programs

On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program

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

Six On-Farm Energy Efficiency IncentivesPrograms were approved by the board totaling $45,986:

• Laurel ($10,150)
• Logan ($10,150)
• Marion ($9,150)
• Pulaski ($1,650)
• Wayne ($4,736)
• Woodford ($10,150)

County Programs

County Agricultural Investment 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 investment areas, including, but not limited to, bees and honey; equine; forage; beef and dairy cattle; goats and sheep; horticulture; poultry; swine; timber and technology, as well as energy efficiency and production; farm infrastructure and water enhancement; marketing; and value-added production.

Fifteen CAIPs were approved by the board totaling $2,117,644:

• Adair ($206,000)
• Allen ($189,805)
• Boyle ($180,000)
• Butler ($60,243)
• Casey ($270,000)
• Franklin ($136,306)
• Grant ($220,000)
• Hart ($300,000)
• Hickman ($45,814)
• Johnson ($36,000)*
• Lyon ($38,000)
• McCracken ($84,000)
• Powell ($49,476)
• Russell ($195,400)
• Washington ($106,600)*

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 DAR programs were approved by the board totaling $38,750:

• Boyle ($15,000)
• Franklin ($8,750)
• Washington ($15,000)

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.

Two Shared-Use Equipment programs were approved by the board totaling $26,325:

• Garrard ($12,675)
• Powell ($13,650)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

Three YAIPs were approved by the board totaling $33,500:

• McCracken ($10,500)
• Powell ($3,000)
• Washington ($20,000)*

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

*Existing programs receiving additional funding.

The Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy (KOAP), a division within the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, provides staff support to the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation (KAFC) and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund (KADF). The KADF is administered by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. KOAP ensures Kentucky is being good stewards of dollars from the 1998 Tobacco Settlement Agreement by overseeing the boards’ investments into diversifying and supporting Kentucky agriculture.