The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board has allocated $533,249 for various projects aimed at agricultural diversification and rural development throughout the state. This decision was made during the board’s monthly meeting in Louisville on August 18, 2025.
Jonathan Shell, Commissioner of Agriculture and Board Chair, emphasized the importance of these investments. “The Agricultural Development Board invests in projects that strengthen our ag community,” he said. “These projects are helping to diversify our agricultural landscape and grow our economy, which is a benefit to all of Kentucky.”
Several initiatives received funding approval:
– Animal Care Veterinary Center, LLC will receive up to $60,191 in state funds and $12,038 from multiple counties to purchase a truck and vet box under the Large & Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program. For more details, Jacob R. Feese can be contacted at acvcdvm@gmail.com.
– Graves County Farm Bureau, Inc is set to obtain up to $5,000 from Graves County funds for acquiring grain bin safety harnesses. Inquiries can be directed to David J. Cherry at j4grt@yahoo.com.
– Jarrod Cornett was granted up to $3,750 in state funds for consultation fees as part of the Food Safety and Efficiency Incentives Program. Katelyn L. Fortney is available for further information at katiefortney81@gmail.com.
– Lowes Produce has been approved for up to $127,797 in state funds to construct a watermelon processing facility. Shea Lowe can provide additional information at lowefarms@gmail.com.
– Pennyrile Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc will receive up to $2,500 from Christian County funds for establishing a community garden. Mark Cansler can be reached at turner1224@gmail.com for more details.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture oversees these efforts as part of its mission to enhance agricultural opportunities across the Commonwealth.
Information from this article can be found here.
