Kentucky Ag Board Approves $3.3M for Farm Projects

By Blake Jackson

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board recently approved $3,356,567 to fund agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the state.

These investments were announced during the board’s monthly meeting and will support a wide range of initiatives aimed at strengthening Kentucky’s farming communities.

"Kentucky’s agricultural success depends on our ability to adapt and grow," Commissioner of Agriculture and Board Chair Jonathan Shell said. "The Agricultural Development Board is proud to invest in projects that empower farm families, encourage innovation, and strengthen rural communities across the Commonwealth."

County and State Supported Initiatives

• Cornett Enterprises LLC received up to $3,750 in state funding through the Food Safety & Efficiency Incentives Program for a GAP audit, food safety software, and consulting.
• FoodChain Inc. was approved for up to $45,643 in county and matching state funds to establish a neighborhood green grocery.
• Miller Rockbridge Farms LLC will use $52,402 in multi-county funds to construct an education barn.
• The Spencer County Fair Board Inc. was granted $30,000 for fairground upgrades.
• Sprig Aerospace LLC secured $20,000 in multi-county funds for developing a new drone.
• Thompson Family Farm LLC was awarded $13,840 in Mercer County funds to create a sheep buying station.

Energy Efficiency Initiatives

The On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program, which supports upgrades to improve energy use on farms, approved four projects totaling $34,308 in Rockcastle, Union, and Wayne counties.

County Agricultural Programs

The County Agricultural Incentives Program (CAIP) continues to provide cost-share assistance across 22 counties, distributing a total of $2,849,568. This funding supports improvements across various farming areas including livestock, fencing, equipment, and more.

The Deceased Farm Animal Removal Program (DAR) approved five projects totaling $58,550 in Boyle, Franklin, Fleming, Lincoln, and Nelson counties.

The Next Generation Farmer Program (NextGen) allocated $100,000 to Bourbon and Nelson counties for young farmers.

Three Shared-Use Equipment Programs totaling $37,863 were approved in Nicholas and Pulaski counties.

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP) projects in Barren, Bourbon, and Nelson counties received $65,000 to engage youth in agriculture.

Local announcements will inform producers of application openings for CAIP, NextGen, and YAIP programs.

Photo Credit: kentucky-agricultural-board