In cooperation with the Rockcastle County Agriculture Development Board and Rockcastle Conservation District the 2022 CAIP cost share program was completed on December 14th in Rockcastle County.  The program offers up to 2000 dollars on 50/50 cost share basis for the producers.  

This program year a total of 128 farmers received 192,000 dollars to invest in on farm improvements.  These dollars were used to improve genetics in beef herds, build structures for animals and hay storage. diversification of vegetable production with greenhouse construction and supplies, small ruminant production, bee production, fencing and on farm waters for rotational grazing and construction of a pavilion for an agri-tourism farm.  

In addition to funding 128 farmers it was decided by the Ag Development board to also fund a shared use equipment purchase.  Rockcastle Farm Bureau and the Rockcastle Conservation District supplied the funds to split costs.  10,000 dollars of CAIP funds were spent to buy a sheep and goat working facility, a new seed drill, a 300 gallon pasture sprayer and a small atv seed spreader that can be rented through the conservation district to any Rockcastle County Producer.  

All producers funded were required to attend an educational course offered by the extension service that correlated with their project.  All participants have utilized funds to make their operations more efficient and profitable through education and cost share funds.  This has been a very successful program for the farmers of Rockcastle County.