FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 16, 2012) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB), chaired by Governor Steve Beshear, today approved $3,640,326 in 12 agricultural diversification projects across the Commonwealth during its November board meeting.

 

State and regional investments included:

$53,875           Compost Bedded Pack Dairy Barn Management Study The UK Research Foundation was approved for $53,875 in state funds to study the benefits of using a compost bedded pack system in dairy barns.

$55,000           Expansion of Goldenrod Cultivation

Solidagex Inc. was approved for $55,000 in state funds for the expansion of contracted goldenrod acreage for the production of all-natural specialty ingredients for animal nutrition, cosmetic and insecticide products.

$2,830,000      Kentucky Proud

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture was approved for $2,830,000 in state funds to be divided over two years for the continuation of the Kentucky Proud program, the state’s official agriculture marketing and promotion program.

 

County investments approved included:

$2,041             Youth Education – Agriculture Shop The Clinton County High School Agriculture Department was approved for $2,041 in Clinton County funds to purchase tools and equipment for the agriculture shop. 

$15,000           Youth Heifer Chain Taylor County Cattlemen’s Association Inc. was approved for $15,000 in Taylor County funds to implement a youth heifer chain program for beef and dairy cattle.

The County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP) is designed to provide farmers with incentives to allow them to improve and diversify their current production practices.  CAIP covers a wide variety of agricultural enterprises in its 11 investment areas.  Nine CAIPs were approved by the board totaling $548,700 for Boyle, Spencer and Todd counties.

In addition to these new approvals, an additional $116,000 was approved to supplement existing CAIPs in the following counties:  Bracken and Mason.

The Deceased Farm Animal Removal Program serves as a measure to facilitate the coordination of environmentally sound and cost-effective disposal of deceased livestock for Kentucky producers. One County Deceased Farm Animal Removal Programs was approved for Harrison County totaling $7,500.

The Shared-use Equipment Program is designed to benefit a high number of producers who cannot justify ownership expenses associated with certain equipment by helping them access technology necessary to improve their operations in an economical manner.  One Shared-use Equipment Programs was approved by the board in the amount of $12,210 for Breckinridge County.

Source: Press release courtesy of GOAP.