Kentucky invests $5.8M in agriculture and rural development

By Blake Jackson

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board invested over $5.8 million in promoting agriculture and rural development across the state. Funded projects target various areas including education, infrastructure, and processing facilities.

Educational initiatives received significant support. Barren County schools will construct a livestock facility with over $178,000 in funding. Owen County schools will receive $100,000 to build a new greenhouse, while Pleasant View Greenhouse will repurpose theirs into an agricultural education center for $237,697. Thelma's Garden Academy was also awarded $50,000 to promote farming education and leadership skills.

The Board approved funds for infrastructure improvements as well. Greenfield Grain received $2 million to construct a river terminal in Henderson County. Temple Hill Lion's Club secured $46,250 for fairground upgrades in Barren County.

Processing facilities also benefited. Cornett Farm Fresh was approved for up to $356,385 to expand their operations. Kentucky Farmed will use $292,050 to upgrade and restore their existing greenhouse.

The Board distributed funds through various programs. The Food Safety and Efficiency Incentives Program awarded a total of $10,800 to Calloway, Christian, and Lincoln counties to enhance food safety protocols. The Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program provided $156,625 to Grayson, Nicholas, and Scott counties to improve veterinary services for large animals.

County Agricultural Investment Programs (CAIP) provided cost-share assistance to twelve counties totaling over $1.6 million. These funds will be used for various agricultural improvements like farm infrastructure, fencing, and marketing efforts.

Other programs addressed specific needs. The Deceased Farm Animal Removal program provided $17,300 to Fleming and Montgomery counties for environmentally friendly disposal of deceased livestock. The Next Generation Farmer program awarded $35,000 in Washington County to support young farmers.

The Shared-Use Equipment Program provided $20,250 to Daviess County to purchase farm equipment for community use. Finally, the Youth Agricultural Incentives Program provided $142,370 across five counties to encourage youth participation in agriculture.

Photo Credit: kentucky-agricultural-board