The Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund provide monies to implement the County Ag Investments Program.  The program runs through county councils and provides money directly to farmers allowing for investments in key farming operations.  

In Powell County, farmers must complete a qualified educational component to receive the cost shared funds.  Traditionally, applicants would attend one of a couple educational classes offered at the extension office.  

Covid 19 prevented the extension office’s ability to provide the traditional educational opportunities.   The inability to provide that traditional education created an opportunity for the new CEA for Agriculture and Natural Resources.  Mr. Vaughn met with each  applicant to learn their operation and helped develop educational material to suit the individual and project.  The education included on farm discussions, videos, publications and soil and forage samples.   

The CAIP program provided $53,000 dollars spread to 32 farmers in the county.

Mr. Vaughn was able to develop a personal relationship with 32 farmers in the county.  Being a new agent in the time of the pandemic when public events were not possible.  The CAIP program provided Mr. Vaughn an opportunity to develop the relationships that are so important in the Cooperative Extension Service.