Kentucky Agricultural Development Board Approves $5.27M Funding

By Blake Jackson

Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved more than $5.27 million in funding during its monthly meeting Friday to support agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the state. The investments will help strengthen farming operations, expand rural infrastructure, and encourage youth participation in agriculture.

“Diversity in agriculture creates a more robust industry and that’s exactly what we are striving for in Kentucky,” Commissioner of Agriculture and Board Chair Jonathan Shell said.

“The projects awarded today by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board builds that foundation of diversity, adding resiliency and strength to our farming communities.”

Several projects received county and state funding support. Casey County Veterinary Services, PLLC was approved for funding to build a livestock handling and treatment facility through the Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program.

Conyea Property Holdings, LLC received support to convert an existing building into a produce packaging warehouse, while Grayson County Fiscal Court secured funding to construct a new farmers market building.

Additional grants were approved for youth agriculture initiatives, veterinary facility upgrades, and a feasibility study for a farm stop market, café, and cidery at Historic Homes Foundation dba Farmington.

Veterinary service providers including Rock Solid Veterinary Services, PLLC, Stone Veterinary Clinic PLLC, and Town & Country Animal Services, LLC also received support for equipment and facility improvements.

The board approved 37 County Agricultural Incentive Program projects totaling more than $4 million.

The program provides cost-share assistance to producers investing in areas such as livestock, fencing, water systems, horticulture, poultry, timber, marketing, and energy efficiency. Counties receiving funding included Pulaski, Owen, Casey, Lincoln, and Spencer, among many others.

The board also approved funding for Deceased Farm Animal Removal programs, Shared-Use Equipment Programs, and Youth Agricultural Incentive Programs. Officials said application deadlines for CAIP and YAIP opportunities will be announced locally across participating counties.

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