Washington County receives funds through The Governor's Office of Agriculture Policy from the Tobacco Settlement Funds allocated to the state each year.  In 2019-2020 those funds where used for several programs in the county.  The local Agriculture Development Board voted to give $27,000 to help a local dairy set up an on farm bottling facility, allocated $265,000 to the County Agriculture Investment program (106 farmers 50/50 cost share each receiving $2500 each), $47,000 to the Next Generation Farmer Program (19 young farmers 50/50 cost share each receiving $2500), $21,000 to the Youth Agriculture Incentives Program (21 youth received $1000.00 to buy livestock, equipment, or otherwise improve their agriculture operations).  

These programs began in the middle of the COVID 19 global pandemic and changes were made through the Extension Office by Agents and Staff to keep the programs running smoothly and socially distanced.  The Extension Service helped inform the participants via phone and mail how to sign up for the programs, mailed applications, and acted as the hub for receiving returned applications via outside after hours drop box, via window during business hours, and by mail. The Cooperative Extension Service always acts as the Education Component for these programs and informed the participants of the online portal the Agriculture and Natural Resources Office at UK  put together for them to complete their educational opportunities online.  However in Washington County many Farmer's don't have access to internet or are not familiar with it enough to participate in online meetings.  The Horticulture Agent came up with the idea of sending a Cooperative Extension Service Publication on pasture weed management with a question and answer section.  The packet was mailed to participants and they completed the task and returned it to the Extension Office.  This method was approved by the Governor's Office of Agriculture Policy and was further recommended to other groups by them.  Washington County Extension Office shared the publication and question and answer pages to other counties that requested them.