The rising costs of labor, insurance, machinery, seed, feed, fertilizer, and every other thing needed to run a farm business of any kind has made it increasingly difficult for farms to operate in a sustainable fashion.

As a result of efforts put forth by the Gallatin County Cooperative Extension Service, the Gallatin County Livestock Association, and the Gallatin County Agricultural Council, over 100,000.00 of Phase I Tobacco Settlement money was invested in Gallatin County agriculture in the form of a CAIP (County Agriculture Investment Program). And since reports show that a dollar typically “turns over” 5 times in a given community, this investment had the potential to add $500,000.00 to the economy.

The dollars invested cost-shared improved beef genetics, livestock handling facilities, improved forage systems, diversified agriculture enterprises, structures for hay and grain storage, and equipment and supplies needed for farmers to enter the rapidly growing goat industry.

Because of this investment in Gallatin County agriculture, over 30 farm families are better able to make the improvements or changes necessary to compete in today’s marketplace.