Kentucky Funds Rural Growth With $653K Ag Investment

By Blake Jackson

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $653,688 in funding to support agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the state during its monthly meeting held Friday. The approved investments are aimed at strengthening farm operations, encouraging innovation and supporting long-term growth in Kentucky’s agricultural sector.

“A thriving agricultural community is achieved through a rich diversification of agricultural products,” Commissioner of Agriculture and Board Chair Jonathan Shell said.

“The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board is working to create greater diversification through projects like those approved today. The work the board does strengthens the fabric of our farms, our farm families, and our state.”

Several county and multi-county projects received approval. Farmers Choice, LLC was awarded multi-county funding with an option for a Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund participation loan of up to $250,000.

The funds will be used to purchase a grain cleaner and four grain bins, each with a 150,000-bushel capacity. Additional information is available from Dwight Unruh at farmerchoice23@gmail.com.

Owensboro Catholic Consolidated School Systems, Inc. received approval for up to $658 in county funds to purchase grow lights and heat mats for its greenhouse program. Savannah French can provide further details at savannah.french@owensborocatholioc.org.

Red Haven Farm, LLC was approved for up to $70,000 in multi-county funds to build the Red Haven Country Store, while Sunnyside Egg Co. LLC received approval for up to $89,443 in county funds, matched by state funds, to expand regenerative egg production.

The board also approved two County Agricultural Incentives Programs (CAIP) totaling $243,587. Funding was allocated to Daviess County ($20,587) and Jackson County ($223,000). CAIP offers cost-share assistance to help producers improve and diversify farm operations across a wide range of agricultural enterprises.

Photo Credit: kentucky-agricultural-board