Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy
Governor Presents Check for Agricultural Diversification in Madison County

Agricultural Diversification

Governor Ernie Fletcher also presented a check to the Madison County Agricultural Development Council in the amount of $375,000 for agricultural diversification efforts in the commonwealth.

Madison County received Kentucky Agricultural Development Funds and they are being used for the following:

• The Madison County Farm Bureau received $9,500 to encourage diversification efforts in Madison County. The Agricultural Diversification program offers cost-share assistance with individual producers seeking to diversify production.

• The Madison County Farm Bureau was awarded $70,000 for the Farm Livestock Fencing Improvement program.  This program offers cost-share assistance to individual producers in Madison County to improve pasture quantity, quality and efficient use for livestock producers resulting in increased net farm income.

• The Madison County Farm Bureau was awarded $74,000 for the Hay, Straw and Commodity Storage program in Madison County.  This program offers cost-share assistance to individual producers seeking to increase income by implementing the best practices related to hay, straw and commodity storage and utilization. Using these practices will then improve feed and straw quality.

• The Madison County Farm Bureau was awarded $6,500 for the Technology Program to improve net farm income through cost share on technology that will improve farm operation efficiency and assist producers already exploring the use of technology in their operations, as well as producers who are interested in exploring technology for their operations.

• The Madison County Beef Cattle Association continues to support cattle diversification efforts in the county.  They received $40,000 to support the Genetic Improvement program.  This program was created to increase the genetic quality of dairy and beef cattle in Kentucky through the selection of superior sires, either through purchase or lease of sires or artificial insemination (Al).

• The Madison County Beef Cattle Association received $20,000 in support of the Forage Improvement and Utilization program.  The forage program provides cost-share assistance with individual producers in Madison County through improved forage quality, quantity, and efficient use. It also encourages science-based forage management decisions.   

• The Madison County Beef Cattle Association was awarded $45,000 for the Cattle Handling Facilities program. This program is to improve net farm income through improved cattle corrals and handling facilities for beef and dairy cattle. This allows for best management and health practices that augment efficient production and marketing opportunities for beef and dairy producers in the commonwealth.

• The Madison County Conservation District received $110,000 in support of the Forage Improvement and Utilization program.  The forage program provides cost-share assistance with individual producers in Madison County through improved forage quality, quantity, and efficient use. It also encourages science-based forage management decisions.