Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (May 19, 2023) - The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $4,689,347 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

“The Kentucky Agriculture Development Board supports Kentucky’s diversity, thus supporting the future of Kentucky,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Dr. Ryan Quarles. “The variety of projects awarded grants today showcases the true spirit of agricultural diversity and the board’s commitment to making a difference.”

County and State Funded Projects

• Auburn University was approved $64,880 in state funds over a two-year period to aid in the recruitment and support of veterinarians in rural Kentucky. For more information, contact Glen Sellers at sellegl@auburn.edu.
• Daviess County Conservation District was approved $20,000 in Daviess County funds to aid in the Daviess County Youth Agricultural Production Cost Share Program. For more information, contact Katelyn Cavitt at Katelyn.Cavitt@ky.nacdnet.net.
• Grain Day, Inc. was approved up to $12,000 in Daviess County funds to support the 2024 Ag Expo. For more information, contact Clint Hardy at chardy@uky.edu.
• Jessamine County FFA Alumni Association, Inc. was approved $15,000 in Jessamine County funds to aid in the youth cost-share program for both SAE and 4-H projects. For more information, contact Carl Waits at carl.waits@twc.com.
• JSW Farm Chop Shop, Inc. was approved up to $1,000,000 in state funds in the form of a participation loan to support the construction and procurement of equipment for beef tripe processing. For more information, contact Jonathan Lett at jlettcpa@gdhco.com.
• Little River Veterinary Clinic, LLC was approved up to $58,724 in state and Trigg County funds, contingent upon the Trigg County Agricultural Development Council's commitment, to aid in the construction of a large animal handling facility. For more information, contact Dr. Jason Freeman, DVM at lrvccadiz@att.net.
• Logan County Conservation District was approved $5,400 in Logan County funds to support the purchase of a shared-use material roller. For more information, contact Wesley Wright at wesley.wright@ky.nacdnet.net.
• Meade County Fair, Inc. was approved up to $5,000 in Meade County funds to support the purchase of digital scales. For more information, contact David Pace at dpace@bbtel.com.
• Scott County Fiscal Court was approved up to $250,000 in state and Scott County funds to construct a new farmers' market pavilion. For more information, contact Joe Pat Covington at joe.covington@scottky.gov.
• Woodford County Fiscal Court was approved up to $50,000 in Woodford County funds to support the expenses of constructing bleachers for their ag facilities. For more information, contact Jeremy Dotson at jeremydotsontrucking@hotmail.com.

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.

Twenty-five CAIPs were approved by the board totaling $2,962,359:

• Anderson ($88,998)
• Campbell ($30,725)*
• Carroll ($142,424)
• Carter ($121,471)
• Clark ($150,000)
• Clinton ($130,199)
• Daviess ($100,000)
• Hancock ($116,008)
• Harrison ($313,861)
• Henderson ($60,095)
• Jessamine ($100,000)
• Marion ($125,000)
• Martin ($65,057)
• McLean ($45,265)
• Meade ($78,440)
• Mercer ($204,419)
• Montgomery ($117,000)*
• Morgan ($191,900)
• Muhlenberg ($46,582)
• Nelson ($116,732)
• Owen ($300,000)*
• Pike ($32,106)
• Trimble ($198,440)
• Union ($50,000)
• Webster ($37,637)

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 $34,813:

• Harrison ($7,500)
• Montgomery ($12,313)
• Nelson ($15,000)

Next Generation Farmer Program (NextGen)
NextGen addresses the growing need for a specialized program that would benefit producers ages 18 to 40 that have been engaged in an agricultural operation for a minimum of three years.

Two NextGen programs were approved by the board totaling $55,000:

• Anderson ($30,000)
• Nelson ($25,000)

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 $51,375:

• Christian ($15,375)
• Hart ($36,000)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

Eight YAIPs were approved by the board totaling $104,796:

• Clark ($40,000)
• Fayette ($6,000)
• Harrison ($5,250)
• Henderson ($6,000)
• McLean ($5,000)
• Ohio ($10,000)
• Trimble ($20,000)
• Webster ($12,546)

All application periods and deadlines for CAIP, NextGen, 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.