The Kentucky Agriculture Water Quality Act (AWQA) states that all landowners with 10+ acres involved in farming or forestry must complete a water quality plan. This law was passed in 1994 and has been enforceable since 2001. A water quality plan consists of best management practices, or BMPs, that will be used to protect water quality on the farm. Since the development of the AWQA the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service has played a key role in delivering science-based information regarding the best management practices that make up an individual water quality plan.

Extension specialists and associates worked directly with county agents, farmers, and agricultural advisors to deliver site-specific best management practice information. Nutrient management plans were developed to help farmers manage manure to best utilize available nutrients without polluting water resources. Multiple virtual presentations were delivered to update farmers, landowners, agricultural professionals on the AWQA and educate them on ways to utilize conservation practices in an economically and ecologically beneficial way.

Throughout 2020 and spring of 2021 Extension specialists collaborated with state agencies to update the planning tool for development of water quality plans. The planning tool, which will now be available through a state government web platform, is available for farmers, county agents, and conservation district personnel to utilize for developing plans for compliance with state law as well as enhanced eligibility for cost share programs. These on-going collaborations are effective ways to ensure better stewardship of Kentucky’s natural resources and promote compliance with state and federal regulations impacting Kentucky’s farmers.