Since the inception of KY House Bill 1, tobacco settlement funds have allowed agriculture producers, community groups and other organizations to sustain and expand existing operations as well as create opportunities for new agriculture related projects.  Improvements in farming operations can be observed while traveling through the countryside.  From permanent infrastructure to improved genetics and  all areas in between, agriculture development funds have made a positive impact on producers in the Commonwealth.

The 2017 CAIP program has concluded in Metcalfe County.  A total of 82 producers received $189,704.42 in funding. This helped fund  $ 252,939.23 in farm improvement projects.  The diversity of this program allows producers of traditional commodities as well as those trying unique alternatives to make positive changes while only having to self fund 25 percent of the project.  The Metcalfe County Agriculture Development Board chose to make all investment areas primary, allowing equal funding to each applicant that was approved.

The Metcalfe County Conservation District administers the CAIP program and seeks feedback from producers to evaluate the effectiveness of the funding.  A followup with the program administrator reveals that livestock producers are reaping benefits in many areas of their operations.  One producer stated that he is now able to practice rotational grazing due to improvements in fencing and watering systems.  Another stated that his hay waist has significantly decreased due to building a hay barn.  Improved genetics and herd health are evident on many farms due to the large animal investment areas.

Many small changes have been made in farm operations since the beginning of the KY Agriculture Development Fund.  These small gradual improvements have added up to equal big benefits for producers as well as consumers and the long term impact will be evident in years to come.