Success StoryCost Share Programs Help Farmers



Cost Share Programs Help Farmers

Author: James Morgeson

Planning Unit: Washington County CES

Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Plan of Work: Increasing Agricultural Systems In Washington County

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The Washington County Agriculture Development Board approved $245,000 to use for County Agriculture Investment Program and the Next Generation Farmer Program in 2021. These programs are 50/50 cost share programs with participants spending $5000.00 and receiving $2500.00 from the program they participated. There were two informational meetings administered by the Horticulture Agent and Program Administrator explaining the program requirements.  One of the requirements for receiving monies is to attend at least one educational meeting approved by the Extension Agent associated with helping with the program. At least one of the following educational opportunities were attended by participants:   Cattlemen’s Forage Field Day (28 participants), BQCA administered by the Kentucky Beef Network (53 participants), Online CAIP Training by the University of Kentucky (5), and Publication Q&A (4).   Participants of the programs used their cost share monies in numerous ways including beef herd genetic improvements, fencing, on farm water development, pasture, and forage renovations, and much more.