More than $700,000 approved for 9 agricultural projects

Approved by Kentucky Agricultural Development Board

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 18, 2015) — The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board today approved $702,451 for nine agricultural diversification and rural development programs across the commonwealth during its December board meeting.

Livestock and Agricultural Pavilion 

The Woodford County Fair Association, Incorporated was approved for $40,000 in Woodford County funds to construct and equip a livestock and agricultural pavilion at the Woodford County fairgrounds. This pavilion will provide space for livestock events and shows, livestock sales and local farm equipment auctions. For more information about this project, contact Mary Lou Watkins at 859-846-4087.

Farmers’ Market Facility  

The City of Marion KY Tourism Commission was approved for $5,000 in Crittenden County funds and $50,000 in state funds to construct a farmers’ market facility. The facility will be built at the existing farmers’ market location in Marion replacing deteriorating portable units currently being used. For more information about this project, contact Michele Edwards at 270-965-5015.

On-Farm Investments

Four County Agricultural Investment Programs (CAIP) were approved by the board totaling $585,857, for Anderson ($174,861), Fleming ($363,496), Lyon ($37,000), and McCreary ($10,500) counties. CAIP offers 10 investment areas that give Kentucky agricultural producers the ability to increase net farm income, add value to their products and diversify their operation. CAIP benefits and enhances agriculture across the state by stimulating markets for Kentucky agricultural products.

Shared-use Equipment

The Shared-use Equipment Program assists broad-based community organizations on the purchase of farm equipment. The equipment purchased is made available for producer use in a specific county on a leased basis.  One Shared-use Equipment Program was approved by the board for Madison County Farm Bureau, Inc. totaling $9,094. The funds will be used to purchase a manure spreader.

Environmental Stewardship

Fleming ($5,000) and Madison ($7,500) counties were approved for the Deceased Farm Animal Removal Program (DAR). DAR serves as a measure to facilitate the coordination of environmentally sound and cost-effective disposal of deceased livestock for Kentucky producers.