August 27, 2008 — The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, chaired by Governor Steve Beshear, approved $244,866 at their monthly board meeting in support of agricultural diversification programs in Carter County. The Carter County Agriculture Advancement Council, Inc. (Council) submitted proposals for cost-share assistance to the Carter County Agricultural Development Council and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board.

The Council received $6,000 to encourage diversification efforts in Carter County. The Agricultural Diversification Program offers cost-share assistance with individual producers seeking to diversify production. The main goal of this program is to improve net farm income through development and expansion of new agricultural products and through the development of new ways of working with existing agricultural commodities.

The Carter County Agricultural Development Council continues to support Cattle Genetics Improvement efforts in the county. The Agriculture Advancement Council received $40,000 to support the Cattle Genetics Improvement Program. This program was created to increase the genetic quality of dairy and beef cattle in Kentucky through the selection of superior sires, either through purchase/lease of sires or artificial insemination (AI).

The Council also received $20,000 for the Cattle Handling Facilities Program. This program offers cost-share assistance to individual beef and dairy producers in Carter County to implement best management and health practices that augment efficient production and marketing opportunities for beef and dairy producers in the Commonwealth.

The Council was awarded $30,000 for the Farm Livestock Fencing Improvement Program. This program offers cost-share assistance to individual producers in Carter County to increase net farm income for our livestock producers by encouraging better efficiency through increased pasture availability and improved pasture quality.

The Council received $93,886 in support of the Forage Improvement and Utilization Program. The Forage Improvement and Utilization Program provides cost-share assistance with individual producers in Carter County through improved forage quality, quantity, and efficient use. It also encourages science-based forage management decisions.

The Council also received $5,000 in support of the Goat and Sheep Diversification Program. This program provides cost-share assistance with individual producers in Carter County to improve net farm income by improving the genetic base of Kentucky’s goat and sheep herds, promoting animal health, encouraging science-based solutions to herd management and providing marketing opportunities for local livestock producers.

Additionally, the Council was awarded $50,000 for the Hay, Straw and Commodity Storage Program in Carter County. This program offers cost-share assistance to individual producers seeking to increase income by implementing the best practices related to hay, straw and commodity storage and utilization. Using these practices will then improve feed and straw quality.

“I am committed to creating opportunities that will make Kentucky’s agricultural community stronger,” said Governor Beshear. “County model programs funded by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board play an integral role in achieving this goal.”

Governor Beshear and the Kentucky Legislature continue to make great strides toward lessening Kentucky’s dependence on tobacco production while revitalizing the farm economy by investing 50 percent of Kentucky's Master Settlement Agreement into the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund. To date, Kentucky has invested more than $267 million to an array of county, regional, and state projects designed to increase net farm income and create sustainable new farm-based business enterprises. The Carter County diversification programs represent more than 3,356 projects that have been funded through Agricultural Development Fund, since the inception of the program in January 2001.

For more information about the sign-up period and the guidelines for programs administered by the Carter County Agriculture Advancement Council, contact Nola Kay Jarrell at (606) 474-6686. To learn more about cost-share and loan programs available in your area contact the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy at (502) 564-4627.