Describe the Issue or Situation.

Crittenden County Ag Development Board voted to use $45,557 of county funds for a proposal from Crittenden Conservation District to run a County Agriculture Investment Program (CAIP).

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

The program was conducted by Crittenden County Conservation District using funds from KY Office of Ag Policy. The program was open to any agriculture producer in the county regardless of farm size. Crittenden County Extension ANR Agent worked closely with administrators from Conservation to ensure every participant fulfilled the requirements including an educational component. 

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

Around 30 producers received funds to expand or improve their operations. 

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

The program allowed producers to improve pH for growing crops/ forages, expand operations by purchasing equipment for upgrades and even allowed one producer to purchase beekeeping equipment to start a new enterprise. A couple producers were able to improve cattle genetics by purchasing breeding animals. The educational component allowed the ANR Agent to reach a few new clients and has resulted in follow up consultations on a variety of topics not related to the CAIP funds.