Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy
Kentucky Agricultural Development Board Approves $2,474,744 for Kentucky Beef Network, LLC

Press Release Date:  Monday, July 23, 2007  
Contact Information:  Angela G. Blank, Communications Director
(502) 564-4627
angelag.blank@ky.gov
 


Frankfort, Ky.-The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved Kentucky Beef Network, LLC for $2,474,744 in state funds to continue current programs that increase producer profitability through education, on-farm management, and marketing. This proposal was one of the sixty-five projects, totaling $5,553,701 approved at the July Kentucky Agricultural Development Board Meeting.

Efforts of the Kentucky Beef Network continue in preparing Kentucky producers to cope with the National Animal Identification System and Country of Origin Labeling through development of individual animal ID systems, utilizing Radio Frequency Identification and the KBN Data Management System. They continue to focus on implementing practical technology and education that enhances cattle marketing and production. The Kentucky Beef Network will also be able to explore new marketing opportunities.

Governor Fletcher and the Kentucky Legislature continue to make great strides toward lessening Kentucky’s dependence on tobacco production while revitalizing the farm economy by investing 50 percent of Kentucky's Master Settlement Agreement into the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund.  To date, Kentucky has invested more than $250 million to an array of county, regional and state projects designed to increase net farm income and create sustainable new farm-based business enterprises. The diversification programs represent more than 3,036 projects that have been funded through Agricultural Development Fund, since the inception of the program in January 2001. 

For more information on this project contact John Stevenson, Director of Kentucky Beef Network, LLC, at (859) 278-0899. To learn more about cost-share grant and loan programs available though the Agricultural Development Fund contact the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy at (502) 564-4627. 

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