Kentucky approves $7.8M for ag projects

By Blake Jackson

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board has approved $7,823,767 for various agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the state. These projects aim to strengthen the state's agricultural economy and provide new opportunities for local producers.

Several county and state-funded initiatives received support, including:

• Cowan Community Action Group, Inc., which was approved for up to $251,000 in state and local funds to build a farmers' market pavilion in Letcher County.
• Hopkins County Farm Bureau received up to $2,200 in county funds for the purchase of grain rescue equipment, which will help local EMS teams respond to grain entrapment accidents.
• Kentucky Beef Network, LLC was granted up to $2,316,516 in state funds to continue supporting cattle producers with programs focused on marketing, data management, education, and farm management systems.
• Kentucky Dairy Development Council, Inc. will receive up to $1,291,560 in state funds to continue its efforts in promoting and supporting Kentucky's dairy industry.
• The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has been allocated up to $3,189,000 in state funds to support the Kentucky Proud Program, which promotes locally grown products.
• Spencer County Fiscal Court was approved for up to $250,000 in state funds and $50,000 in local funds to build a new farmers' market.
• The University of Kentucky Research Foundation will receive up to $44,823 to update the Beef Systems Analyzer software.
• Woodford County Board of Education will receive up to $40,000 in local funds to construct a livestock education barn.

In addition, the County Agricultural Incentive Program (CAIP) was approved for six counties, totaling $361,668, to help farmers diversify and improve their operations. The Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR) program in Oldham County received $5,000 for livestock disposal services, while the Shared-Use Equipment Program in Rockcastle County was approved for $17,000 to help community organizations purchase farm equipment. Lastly, the Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP) in Harlan County received $5,000 to encourage youth participation in agriculture.

These projects are key to boosting Kentucky's agricultural sector and securing a brighter future for the state's farmers.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski