FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $5,807,850 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.
“Helping agricultural producers develop, diversify, and grow is one of the main goals of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Jonathan Shell. “The funds approved today maintain that mission and keep the future of agriculture in Kentucky moving forward in a positive light.”
County and state funded projects
- Christian County Board of Education was approved up to $212,500 in Christian County funds to build a greenhouse at the newly merged Christian County High School. For more information, contact Jason Wilson at jason.wilson@christian.kyschools.us.
- Daviess County Conservation District was approved up to $10,000 in Daviess County funds to run the Daviess County Youth Agricultural Production Cost Share Program. For more information, contact Georgia McCrady at georgia.mccrady@ky.nacdnet.net.
- Four Rivers Packing was approved multi-county funds and state funds in the form of a sot-reimbursement grant, with the option to pursue a KADF participation loan, not to exceed a combined total of $500,000. This project would support the startup of a new green bean processing plant in Calloway County. For more information, contact Nathan Musser at nathan@m-mirrigation.com.
- Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation was approved up to $250,000 in state funds to recapitalize the Kentucky Highlands SOAR Small Farm Loan Fund. For more information, contact Michael Hayes at mhayes@khic.org.
- Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association was approved up to $218,750 in state funds to establish the Kentucky Rural Veterinarian Loan Repayment Program. For more information, contact Debra Hamelback at info@kvma.org.
- Pleasure View Farms was approved multi-county funds matched by state funds with an option of a KADF participation loan, not to exceed a total of $212,447. For more information, contact Mark Roberts at markroberts2206@hotmail.com.
- Reid’s Orchard was approved up to $25,235 in Daviess County funds to upgrade its facility. For more information, contact Kathy Reid at kathy@reidorchard.com.
- Rowlett’s Milkhouse Creamery was approved multi-county funds matched by state funds with an option of a KADF participation loan, not to exceed a total of $96,690. For more information, contact Sharon Rowlett at rowlettsmilkhousecreamery@gmail.com.
- Southern Kentucky Floral Exchange was approved up to $11,000 in multi-county funds to increase its flower cold storage facilities. For more information, contact Jennifer Spurling at sokyfloralexchange@gmail.com.
- Wilder’s Corner was approved up to $60,000 in Henry County funds to open a rural grocery/deli specializing in local products. For more information, contact Kelly Dockter at wilderscorner45@gmail.com.
State Programs
Large and food animal veterinary incentives program
The Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program provides funding for Kentucky veterinarian projects to increase service to large and food animals in the state. Applicants may receive up to 75 percent reimbursement for eligible expenditures not to exceed more than $100,000 in state and county funds as a lifetime limit.
Two Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Programs in Logan County were approved by the board totaling $196,423 in combined county and state funds.
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, 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.
Twenty-Eight CAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $3,812,430:
- Campbell ($30,188)
- Carroll ($138,963)
- Clark ($105,000)
- Daviess ($100,000)
- Gallatin ($185,000)
- Graves ($21,204)
- Greenup ($36,000)*
- Harrison ($309,854)
- Henderson ($23,745)
- Jackson ($352,892)
- Knox ($132,758)
- Lincoln ($225,000)
- Marion ($150,000)
- Meade ($80,478)
- Mercer ($203,951)
- Montgomery ($125,000)*
- Morgan ($180,577)
- Muhlenberg ($43,528)
- Owen ($290,000)*
- Owsley ($124,500)*
- Powell ($50,499)
- Pulaski ($500,000)
- Russell ($120,000)*
- Trimble ($131,000)
- Union ($30,000)
- Wayne ($39,925)*
- Webster ($24,368)
- Whitley ($58,000)
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.
Three DARs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $37,125:
- Clark ($15,000)
- Harrison ($7,500)
- Mercer ($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.
Two Shared-Use Equipment Programs projects were approved by the board totaling $41,750:
- Graves ($25,000)
- Mercer ($16,750)
Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)
YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.
Eight YAIPs projects in were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $123,500:
- Clark ($40,000)
- Fayette ($6,500)
- Henderson ($10,000)
- Laurel ($25,000)
- Ohio ($10,000)
- Powell ($3,000)
- Trimble ($20,000)
- Webster ($9,000)
All application periods and deadlines for CAIP and YAIP will be advertised locally.
*Existing programs receiving additional funding.
