Farming operations are experiencing rising costs and lower returns.  Welcoming new farmers and continuing diversification efforts are crucial to the success of rural economies.  The Morgan County Agricultural Comprehensive Plan identifies educational programs which strengthen cattle and forage production, promote new marketing strategies, and assist beginning farmers as those classes most needed. 

The Ky/Morgan County Agricultural Development Fund helps farmers to implement recommended practices from these educational programs.  In 2023, the Fund, which is administered by the Morgan County fiscal court and facilitated by the Morgan County Extension Service Ag & Natural Resources (ANR) program, dispersed ninety-nine grants totaling $221,000.  As a result of the twenty plus educational meetings and demonstrations conducted by Extension, ninety-nine producers received up to $3,000 each.

In addition to new construction and purchases, outcomes of these programs for Morgan County include safer cattle handling operations, rotational grazing plans, better breeding stock, better quality forage, more farmers accessing the Internet, different marketing outlets and new enterprises.