July 1, 2018 marked the beginning of a new two-year term for Todd County’s Phase I Ag. Development Council.  Of the nine members on the 2016-18 Council, five were totally new this term, having never served before.  At their first meeting members received training related to their responsibilities on the Council, including a short history of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund and the projects and programs that have been conducted in Todd County.  They also learned that the Todd County Council has a County Comprehensive Plan that helps guide the Council in its decision-making.  This Council group has thoughtfully and promptly dealt with the projects submitted to the Council.  The Ag. Development Council has received three funding proposals in this program year, and all were funded. 

   The University of Kentucky Beef IRM Group’s iCow Cattle Record-Keeping App proposal was funded for $1,000.  This project aims to develop a cloud-based cattle record-keeping software program that can be accessed through a smartphone, tablet, or computer.   Because of the Council's funding of this project, 25 local cattle farmers will get free access to the app for one year, which is a good way to introduce producers to this management tool.  

   Western Kentucky University requested funds to upgrade Todd County’s Mesonet (automatic weather data collection) site with a new automatic rain gauge and the addition of a special camera capable of monitoring drought conditions.  This project was funded for $4,183.78. 

   The Phase I County Council also approved the county's sixth offering of the Phase I County Agricultural Improvement Program (CAIP) this program year.  The Council granted a total of $230,000 in CAIP funding to the CAIP administrator, the Todd County Conservation District.  The maximum cost-share reimbursement limit is $3,500 per farm. The actual reimbursement cap will be a pro-rated number, based upon the number of people who complete projects and the amount of cost-share eligible money they spend.

   CAIP signup was held in January-February 2019 and all purchases will have to be completed by July 31, 2019.  The Council assisted the Conservation District with guidance on cost-share limits, pro-rating, designation of primary/secondary investment areas, and establishment of the minimum qualifying application score.