Kara Keeton, Communications Director
Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy
(502) 564-4627
agpolicy.ky.gov

At its August Board meeting, the Agricultural Development Board released the standard Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) for the Cattle Genetic Improvement Program, which was approved in July.

The Cattle Genetics Improvement cost-share program was the first of the eight model programs approved by the state Agricultural Development Board for local implementation, utilizing county Agricultural Development Funds. The program provides for up to $1,250 in cost-share assistance, matched by the applicant on a 50/50 basis. The Cattle Genetics Improvement Program has assisted Kentucky’s beef producers in 103 counties in utilizing better genetics in their breeding program through increased educational efforts and providing cost-share dollars for bull purchases. To date over $8.3 million has been invested in the program across the state.

To alleviate confusion over EPD requirements, which may vary from county to county, the Agricultural Development Board approved the standardization of EPDs across the state. The program guidelines now read:

The complete guidelines for the Cattle Genetics Improvement program and the new EPD standards are available at http://agpolicy.ky.gov/funds/cattle.shtml.

Kentucky has made a historic effort to diversify away from tobacco production while revitalizing the farm economy by investing 50% of Kentucky's Master Settlement Agreement into the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund. To date Kentucky has invested over $150 million to an array of county, regional, and state projects designed to increase net farm income and create sustainable new farm-based business enterprises.

Model cost-share programs are not available in every county. For more information regarding model cost-share programs available in your area, contact the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy at (502) 564-4627 or visit our web site at http://agpolicy.ky.gov.

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