Kentucky Ag Board Approves $1.2M for Farm Projects

By Blake Jackson

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $1,207,488 in funding for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the state during its monthly board meeting on Friday.

“Diversifying our agricultural landscape is key to a thriving agricultural community,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Board Chair Jonathan Shell. “The projects awarded today by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board is working to achieve that diversification and strengthen our farms and our farm families, which equates to a stronger Commonwealth.”

Several county and state-funded projects received approval. Hardin County Farm Bureau was awarded up to $9,148 from Hardin County funds to purchase grain bin rescue equipment.

Jessamine County FFA Alumni Association received up to $15,000 in local funds to support youth cost-share programs for Supervised Agricultural Experience and 4-H projects.

Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation was granted up to $250,000 in state funds to expand the Kentucky Highlands SOAR Small Farm Loan Fund.

Additionally, Owen County Animal Clinic received $100,000, combining $83,333 in state funds and $16,667 in county funds, to construct a veterinary clinic and haul-in facility for small and large animals as part of the Large & Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program.

The University of Kentucky was awarded $147,000 in state funds to support research and educational outreach related to Kentucky hay production for the equine industry.

Statewide programs also received support. The On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program, designed to help farm families improve energy efficiency of equipment and facilities, was approved for seven projects totaling $71,340 in Breckinridge, Estill, Laurel, Monroe, Pulaski, Rockcastle, and Webster counties.

County programs also received funding through the County Agricultural Incentives Program (CAIP), which provides cost-share assistance for a variety of agricultural enterprises, including livestock, horticulture, timber, marketing, and value-added production. Two CAIP projects were approved, totaling $585,000, in Scott and Woodford counties.

The Next Generation Farmer Program (NextGen), supporting producers aged 18 to 40 with at least three years of agricultural experience, received $30,000 for Scott County. All application periods and deadlines for CAIP and NextGen will be advertised locally to ensure eligible producers can participate.

Photo Credit: kentucky-agricultural-board