Phase I funding continues to play an important part to the agriculture community of LaRue County. The LaRue County Agricultural Development Board helped to administer over $244,267 in the last calendar year to directly and indirectly make positive impacts to LaRue County farmers.
The council funded producers directly through the County Agriculture Investment Program which is ran by the county Beef Producers Group. Investments were made in genetics, fencing, on farm water development, cattle handling, hay storage, diversification, technology, and forage improvement. Several different educational offerings were included as part of the participation in these programs through both in-person and virtual learning opportunities.
Although the initial savings created by cost share can significantly enhance a producer’s bottom line, adding new and improved practices to a farm operation yields long term results that add to overall farm profitability. Follow up visits and surveys with producers that have participated in the different programs indicate that those who have improved facilities have improved herd health, lowered labor costs, implemented more efficient grazing practices, and efficient use of time. As a result, these individuals have been able to show economic gains to their operation that were in many situations more than the investment that was made. 

Indirectly, the council funded processing facilities and commercial kitchen improvements that will add value to local products. The LaRue County Comprehensive Plan mentions the importance of local processing options and is actively looking to fund programs that add value to our local crops. They also funded shared use equipment that will provide area farmers with easy access to rental equipment that will help them plant seeds for forages.