Maps help us navigate the world, and they not only show us how to get from point A to point B, but, depending on the type of map, they can also help us to see where patterns, clusters, and gaps exist in a spatial environment. As part of KCARD’s state-wide Local Food System Expansion Initiative, a series of interactive maps has been developed to visualize the Kentucky local food system. Stay tuned for parts two and three of the series in the next few weeks. We will present a closer look into local food sales in Kentucky and the various industries that make up the local food system.
Ask kids in the Bowling Green area their favorite spot to get ice cream and you might hear a story about Miss Glimmer, a famous Jersey cow who called Chaney’s Dairy Barn home for years. Miss Glimmer witnessed first-hand the transformation of the business owned by Carl and Debra Chaney from dairy farm to booming agritourism destination where over 300,000 people visit each year. The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development was right there with her.
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service recently announced a record amount of funding for several of their key grant programs:
Aleta Botts, KCARD’s executive director, took some time to answer a few questions about herself and what it’s like being an executive director.
Larry Snell rarely had the opportunity to look back over his ten years as KCARD’s Executive Director while he was serving in that role. He was working too hard at the time to lay the foundation for an organization that would evolve to fit the changing demands of Kentucky agriculture. KCARD recently caught up with Larry, now retired.
You’ve made your first hire, gotten all the paperwork and file systems in place, and are ready to start training employees. How do you set yourself and your employee up for success? Below are some key points to focus on to make sure both parties have a successful experience.
“Well, I’ve already got so much into this crop, might as well see it through...”
“I spent a whole lot of money to start this project, so I need to spend more money to get it done.”
If you hear yourself saying this, do not make any sudden movements. You are about to sink a decision by considering your sunk costs. “Sunk costs” refers to money that is already spent. No matter your next decision, that money is G-O-N-E with no recovery, so if you try to base your decision on those costs, you could end up throwing good money after bad.
In September, KCARD and program partners were awarded a grant for the Connecting Kentucky Veterans to Agriculture Opportunities (Kentucky AgVets) program. Main program partners include the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Horticulture Council, Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office and the Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK).
Haleigh Young, KCARD’s administrative assistant, fields tons of questions every day from other KCARD staff and new KCARD clients. She recently took some time to answer a few questions about herself and how new clients and inquiries begin working with KCARD.
Kellie Padgett, one of KCARD’s business development specialists, took a little time to answer some questions about herself, the new program Connecting Kentucky Veterans to Agriculture Opportunities (AgVets), and give some helpful tips for veterans interested in getting into agriculture.
Brent Lackey, KCARD’s senior business development specialists, took some time to answer a few questions about himself and his history at KCARD.
The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development is a non-profit organization established to facilitate agricultural and rural businesses in Kentucky. We are supported primarily through grants provided by the USDA Rural Cooperative Development Program and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. Additional support is provided through our work with partners around the state and through fees charged for select client services.
