Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy
$1,279,989 Invested in Kentucky Agricultural Diversification
Frankfort, Ky. -The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, chaired by Governor Steve Beshear, approved $1,279,989 in agricultural diversification projects across the Commonwealth during their monthly board meeting on Thursday, December 27 in room 110 of the Capitol in Frankfort, Ky.
State and County Agricultural Development Fund projects approved for funding at the December meeting include:
$50,000 The Campbell Farm Wool Art Center
The Campbell Farm Wool Art Center was approved for $49,000 in state funds and $1,000 in Washington County funds to establish a wool arts center in Washington County.
$63,000 Hardin County Regional Farmers’ Market Foundation
The Hardin County Regional Farmers’ Market Foundation was approved for up to $50,000 in state funds and $13,000 in Hardin County funds as part of the 2007 Farmers’ Market Competitive Program.
$210,000 Kentucky Community and Technical College System Foundation
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System Foundation was approved for $210,000 in state funds for the continuation of computer training for tobacco farmers.
$80,000 Murray State University Foundation
The Murray State University Foundation was approved for $75,000 in state funds, $4,000 in Calloway County funds, and $1,000 in Carlisle County funds to construct an arboretum on Murray State’s Pullen Farm Complex.
Menu Programs
$143,200 Montgomery County Cattlemen’s Association
The Montgomery County Cattlemen’s Association, Inc. was approved for $143,200 in Montgomery County funds to administer a menu approach for three model programs including: Cattle Genetics Improvement; Cattle Handling Facilities; and Hay, Straw & Commodity Storage.
$60,000 Montgomery County Conservation District
The Montgomery County Conservation District was approved for $60,000 in Montgomery County funds to administer a menu approach for two model programs including: Farm Livestock Fencing Improvement and Forage Improvement & Utilization.
$60,000 Menifee County Conservation District
The Menifee County Conservation District was approved for $60,000 in Menifee County funds to administer a menu approach for four model programs including: Agricultural Diversification; Forage Improvement & Utilization; On-Farm Water Enhancement; and Timber Production, Utilization, & Marketing.
$45,500 Powell County Livestock Producers Association
The Powell County Livestock Producers Association was approved for $45,500 in Powell County funds to administer a menu approach for three model programs including: Farm Livestock Fencing Improvement; Forage Improvement & Utilization; and Hay, Straw & Commodity Storage.
County model programs are designed to provide farmers with cost-share funding to allow them to improve and diversify their current production practices. For more information regarding the sign-up period and guidelines of programs funded in a specific county please contact the County Cooperative Extension Office.
The Agricultural Diversification Program is designed to assist producers in the development and expansion of new agricultural products and through the development of new ways of working with existing agricultural commodities. There are twelve investment areas represented in this program. County Agricultural Diversification Program approved by the Board totaled $32,750 and included:
$6,500 Powell County
$26,250 Spencer County
The Cattle Genetic Improvement Program increases the genetic quality of beef and dairy cattle in Kentucky through the selection of superior sires, either through purchase/lease of sires or artificial insemination (AI). County Cattle Genetics Improvement Program approved by the Board totaled $52,500 and included:
$52,500 Harrison County
The Cattle Handling Facilities Program assists with the implementation of best management and health practices that augment efficient production and marketing opportunities for beef and dairy producers in the Commonwealth. County Cattle Handling Programs approved by the Board totaled $46,750 and included:
$10,000 Rowan County
$36,750 Spencer County
The Dairy Diversification Program assists existing and new dairy producers throughout the Commonwealth in renovating and modernizing dairy facilities. County Dairy Diversification Programs approved by the Board totaled $15,750 and included:
$15,750 Spencer County
The Fencing Improvement Program improves net farm income through improved pasture quantity, quality and efficient use of fencing for livestock producers. County Fencing Improvement Programs approved by the Board totaled $78,750 and included:
$42,000 Lee County
$36,750 Spencer County
The Forage Improvement & Utilization Program improves pastures to allow for improved grazing by animals, reducing producer costs for feed, and improving feed quality. County Forage Improvement Programs approved by the Board totaled $105,429 and included:
$30,000 Lawrence County
$25,429 Lee County
$50,000 Spencer County
The Goat and Sheep Diversification Program works to assist producers as they venture into goat and sheep production. County Goat Diversification Programs approved by the Board totaled $41,100 and included:
$21,100 Bath County
$10,000 Montgomery County
$10,000 Ohio County
The Hay, Straw, & Commodity Storage Program allows producers to increase the quality and marketability of products to improve the overall farm income. County Hay, Straw and Commodity Storage Programs approved by the Board totaled $135,010 and included:
$82,510 Green County
$52,500 Spencer County
The Shared-use Equipment Program allows producers who cannot justify ownership expenses associated with certain equipment by helping them access technology necessary to improve their operations in an economical manner. County Shared-use Equipment Program approved by the Board totaled $7,000 and included:
$7,000 Montgomery County
The Swine Diversification Program allows new and existing swine producers to establish or renovate pork facilities. County Swine Diversification Programs approved by the Board totaled $5,250 and included:
$5,250 Spencer County
The Technology program allows producers 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. County Technology Programs approved by the Board totaled $48,000 and included:
$1,500 Rowan County
$46,500 Todd County
Governor Beshear 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 $255 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 3,104 projects that have been funded through Agricultural Development Fund, since the inception of the program in January 2001.