With the continued global pandemic agriculture is seeing higher input costs for production.  State cost-share programs are allowing local producers to continue to operate during the times of higher production costs.  The local Agriculture Development Council met and appropriated over $243,000 to the County Agriculture Investment Program to fund 77 producers in Mason County.  The funds will be utilized on operations to purchase improved forages, increase herds, agriculture diversification projects, handling facilities, fence/water, and agriculture structures to name a few.  The funds allow the agriculture sector to continue to flow through difficult times.  One producer commented that the funds allowed him to purchase handling equipment for his beef herd and has made working cattle more enjoyable and safer for his family.