$2,985,271 Invested in Kentucky Agricultural Diversification
The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, chaired by Governor Ernie Fletcher, approved $2,985,271 in agricultural diversification projects across the Commonwealth during their monthly board meeting on April 21, 2006 at the Fayette County Extension Office in Lexington, Kentucky.
State and County Agricultural Development Fund projects approved for funding at the April meeting include:
$50,000 Alley Farms
Alley Farms was approved for $50,000 in state funds, as part of the Agri-tourism Competitive Awards Program, to provide an on-farm educational experience for the general public by creating an Agri-tourism destination on their family farm in Lawrence County.
$50,000 Cave Run Resort and Stable
Cave Run Resort and Stable was approved for $50,000 to construct a retail facility with a kitchen as part of the Agri-tourism Competitive Awards program.
$5,000 Clark County Fiscal Court
Clark County Fiscal Court was approved for $5,000 of Clark County funds for a study to determine the need for a Purchase Development Right (PDR) Program in Clark County.
$50,000 Gateway Resource Conservation Development
Gateway Resource Conservation Development was approved for $50,000 in state funds to help farmers in seven eastern Kentucky counties develop Eco/Agri-tourism businesses on their farms, as part of the Agri-tourism Competitive Awards Program.
$1,000,000 Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation
The Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation was approved for $1,000,000 in state funds for the development of a Coordinated Value-added Assistance Loan Fund program that compliments the existing lending opportunities available through the Farm Service Agency, commercial banks, and lenders within the Farm Credit System.
$400,725 Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Inc.
The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Inc. was approved for $400,725 in state funds to foster business success and growth by providing technical assistance and educational opportunities for Kentucky agricultural and rural businesses seeking to enhance their economic opportunities.
$50,000 Mandolin Farm Bluegrass Festival
Mandolin Farm was approved for $50,000 in state funds to construct a pavilion to expand the Bluegrass Festival, as part of the 2006 Agri-tourism Competitive Awards program.
$12,000 Mountain Cattlemen’s Association
Mountain Cattlemen’s Association was approved for $12,000 in Lee County funds to offer a Heifer Replacement program for Lee County producers.
$30,000 Mountain Cattlemen’s Association
The Mountain Cattlemen’s Association was approved for $30,000 in Lee County funds to administer a menu approach program which includes the Genetics Program and the Cattle Handling Facilities Program for Lee County producers.
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 Extension Office.
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 Programs approved by the Board totaled $230,925 and included:
$77,250 Boyle County
$75,000 Fleming County
$26,250 Jessamine County
$15,000 Meade County
$37,425 Shelby 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 $229,075 and included:
$128,750 Boyle County
$26,250 Jessamine County
$74,075 Shelby 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 $262,500 and included:
$52,500 Jessamine County
$210,000 Shelby County
The Forage Improvement 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 $363,075 and included:
$140,000 Clinton County
$15,000 Meade County
$208,075 Shelby 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 $15,125 and included:
$10,000 Powell County
$5,125 Shelby 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 $202,500 and included:
$150,000 Fleming County
$52,500 Jessamine 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 Programs approved by the Board totaled $5,896 and included:
$5,896 Whitley 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 $28,450 and included:
$28,450 Shelby County
The Kentucky General Assembly continues to make great strides towards lessening Kentucky’s dependence on tobacco production while revitalizing the farm economy by investing 50% of Kentucky's Master Settlement Agreement into the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund. Of this 50% allocation, 65% of the Fund is set aside for regional and statewide agricultural projects, while 35% is earmarked for individual counties on the basis of their tobacco dependence. Since the inception of the program in January 2001, the Agricultural Development Board has approved over 2,381 proposals committing over $201 million to an array of county, regional, and state projects designed to increase net farm income and create sustainable new farm-based business enterprises.
****** Please contact the County Extension Office for more information regarding the model programs and when the sign up will take place in your county.**********