Kentucky Ag Board Approves $1.6M for Farm Projects

By Blake Jackson

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $1,595,287 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth during its monthly meeting on Friday.

“Our economy thrives when we see and nurture the value of our agricultural producers,” Commissioner of Agriculture and Board Chair Jonathan Shell said. “The projects awarded today indicate the value our board has placed on farming and the benefit of its diversification to increase our state’s worth.”

County and State Funded Projects

• Gate Keeper Cattle Company, LLC received approval for up to $110,000 in multi-county funds, matched by state funds, to support the expansion and construction of a 4,000-foot facility. For details, contact John N. Jenkin at gatekeepercattleco@gmail.com.
• Green River Area Agent Association was granted up to $12,900 in multi-county funds to cover participation costs in the Cooperative Extension Leadership Experience. For information, reach out to Clint Hardy at chardy@uky.edu.
• Owensboro Farmers Market, Inc. was approved for $45,000 in Daviess County funds to develop a commercial kitchen. Contact Mary Beth Alexander at orfm.manager@gmail.com for more details.
• Washington County Board of Education received $100,000 in Washington County funds to construct a 40-foot by 60-foot agricultural working facility. For more information, contact Bart Mattingly at bart.mattingly@washington.kyschools.us.

County Programs

The County Agricultural Incentives Program (CAIP) offers Kentucky producers cost-share assistance to enhance and diversify farm operations across multiple enterprises, including livestock, equine, horticulture, poultry, timber, energy, marketing, and value-added production. The board approved seven CAIP projects totaling $1,232,512 in Bracken, Breathitt, Breckinridge, Lewis, Mason, McLean, and Simpson counties.

The Deceased Farm Animal Removal Program (DAR) helps producers dispose of livestock safely and cost-effectively, with one project totaling $2,500 approved in Garrard County.

The Shared-Use Equipment Program supports community organizations in purchasing farm equipment for shared county use, with three projects totaling $43,375 approved in Breckinridge, Garrard, and Pulaski counties.

The Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP) promotes youth participation in agriculture, with three projects totaling $49,000 approved in Bracken, Breathitt, and Mason counties.

Application periods and deadlines for CAIP and YAIP will be announced locally.

Photo Credit: kentucky-agricultural-board