On Feb. 13, 2026, the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corp. approved 18 agricultural loans totaling $3,713,010.50 for projects across the Commonwealth at its monthly board meeting, according to an official press release.
The loans aim to support a range of producers including those in beef, forage, poultry, and grain sectors through several targeted programs. The funding is expected to bolster infrastructure and provide opportunities for beginning farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.
The board approved two Agricultural Infrastructure loans totaling up to $500,000 for recipients in Fulton and Union counties. Twelve Beginning Farmer loans amounting to $2,438,010.50 were awarded across Barren, Breckinridge, Caldwell, Harrison, Hopkins, LaRue, McLean, Meade, Mercer, Todd, and Warren counties. One Diversification through Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness loan of $250,000 was approved for Metcalfe County. Two Horticulture Incentives loans totaling up to $275,000 went to Laurel and Meade counties. Additionally, one Large/Food Animal Veterinary Loan Program loan of $250,000 was approved for Boyle County.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture operates across the state to support producers and promote local agricultural goods (official website). The department fosters agritourism, farmers markets and farm safety through initiatives like Raising Hope (official website). It also promotes and enhances the state’s agricultural sector through marketing and development programs (official website), while supporting economic development and policy implementation to benefit producers (official website).
Jonathan Shell has served as commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and operates a multigenerational family farm (official website). For more information on KAFC participation loans or application details, interested parties are encouraged to contact their lender or Bill McCloskey at the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy.
