Beginning Farmer Resources
Below is a list of resources that are useful for beginning and existing farmers in Kentucky.
Education Resources for Kentucky Farmers
KCARD – Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development is a non-profit organization that provides technical assistance and free business planning services to farmers and agricultural businesses in Kentucky.
University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service has an office in every county to provide agricultural outreach and education to Kentucky communities. Each office has an Agriculture Agent and some have a Horticulture Agent who are there to assist farmers. As a farmer, it is a good idea to get to know your local Extension agents.
University of Kentucky’s Center for Crop Diversification can help you learn about the diverse crops that can be grown here in Kentucky. For more information call (859) 257-1477 or (859) 218-4384.
MarketReady Producer Training Program is designed to help farmers identify markets, learn what potential customers are looking for and learn ways to competitively position their farm. MarketReady will help farm vendors selling dairy, fruits, vegetables, meats, value-added products, and more create a successful business strategy.
Organic Association of Kentucky provides resources and educates Kentucky farmers and consumers who are interested in driving change for a more regenerative and organic food system.
https://newfarmers.usda.gov/ is a new website from USDA with lots of good new farmer resources. Visit their website to learn more.
Grow Appalachia is a strategic initiative of Berea College with Farmer Development programs which include a Beginning Farmer Educational Series in partnership with USDA-NIFA’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. These programs serve KDA’s Appalachian Proud counties in eastern and central Kentucky.
Funding Resources for Kentucky Farmers
KCARD’s Ag Grant Facilitation Program is designed to help Kentucky farmers and agribusinesses find and apply for funding. To receive KCARD Grant Funding and Newsletters emails, please sign up below or email kcard@kcard.info to be added to the lists. The emails are a great way to learn about grant funding opportunities, happenings and opportunities in Kentucky agriculture as they become available.
KY Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers financial assistance to new and beginning farmers. There are several FSA Farm Loan programs available to qualifying new farmers that are looking to buy and operate a farm. The Microloan Program that can be used for startup costs, farming expenses, and for the purchase of essential tools.
NRCS – Natural Resources Conservation Service in Kentucky offers financial and technical assistance through their Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). The program can help with things like grazing and nutrient management, fencing, stock water systems, pasture planting, and seasonal high tunnels. Locate your local NRCS Office and visit them to learn more.
Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation offers low interest loans under the following categories: Ag Infrastructure Loan Program, Ag Processing Loan Program, Beginning Farmer Loan Program, Large Animal Vet and Diversification through Entrepreneurship. Each project has varying requirements and caps.
Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) offers several programs to assist agricultural businesses including the Kentucky Proud Promotional Grant and Buy Local. To qualify you must register to be a member of Kentucky Proud.
Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC) offers a Third Party GAP Audit Cost-Share Grant. To receive reimbursement through KHC, producers must register to be a member of Kentucky Proud, complete an application through Kentucky Horticulture Council, and submit a copy or image of the paid Third Party GAP audit from an official certifying agency.
County Agriculture Investment Program (CAIP) is a 50/50 cost share with 11 investment areas to increase net farm income, add value to products, and diversify operations; visit your local Agriculture Extension Agent for more information.
Kentucky Agricultural Development Board funds innovative proposals that increase net farm income and affect tobacco farmers, tobacco-impacted communities, and agriculture across the state by stimulating markets for Kentucky agricultural products, finding new ways to add value to Kentucky agricultural products, and exploring new opportunities for Kentucky farms.
KSU Small Scale Farm and Education Grants are available to help purchase up to $5,000 of equipment for small farmers in Kentucky. Contact Joni Nelson for more info at joni.nelson@kysu.edu or call 502-597-6831.
Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) offers a low-interest Small Production Loan Program to assist small food-related producers within SOAR’s 54-county eastern Kentucky service region. Contact 606-864-5175 for more information.