LFPP, Education
Brent Lackey
Mapping Kentucky's Local Food System Series: ...

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. 

Mapping Kentucky's Local Food System Series: Introduction

Education

,

Mapping Kentucky's Local Food System Series: Introduction

,
Mapping Kentucky's Local Food System Series: Introduction

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. 

,

It's All About the Numbers: Why Financial Projections are Important for Your Business

,
It's All About the Numbers: Why Financial Projections are Important for Your Business

April is Financial Literacy Month, so it’s a great time to take a look at your business’s financials! One of the pieces of advice we often tell agribusinesses is to “own your numbers”. As a business, you should understand your income and expenses, and know where the numbers on your financial statements came from.  Check out this post to understand what financial statements KCARD can help with and why financial projections are important for your business.

,

Behind the Scenes of Applying for Federal Grant Programs

,
Behind the Scenes of Applying for Federal Grant Programs

We’re often asked by farmers and agribusinesses how to apply for federal grant programs, such as the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (due on May 16). While these grant programs can be a good option for growing agribusinesses to obtain capital, it’s important to understand how much work goes into receiving a grant, even beyond the application itself. Often, applying for federal grants requires 40 to 80 hours of work. Check out these four tips to help prepare you for applying for a federal grant program. 

,

Apply for a Value-Added Dairy Business Evaluation by February 28

,
Apply for a Value-Added Dairy Business Evaluation by February 28

KCARD is partnering with the University of Tennessee Extension’s Center for Profitable Agriculture to provide existing value-added dairy businesses with an in-depth analysis of their operation. This analysis consists of a comprehensive on-site evaluation by experienced and trained business consultants. The application deadline to be considered for the program is February 28th.

, , ,

New Year, New Habits

, , ,
New Year, New Habits

The beginning of a new year is often spent reflecting on the past year and planning for what is to come. We often make New Year’s resolutions to form new habits focused on our health and wellness; here are six habits that focus on improving the health and wellness of your business.  

,

National and State Highlights from the USDA 2020 Local Food Marketing Practices Survey

,
National and State Highlights from the USDA 2020 Local Food Marketing Practices Survey

In addition to the Census of Agriculture, USDA conducts topical surveys that cover specific sectors in agriculture such as Local Food Marketing Practices. We dove into the 2020 Local Food Marketing Practices survey results that were released in April 2022, and we resurfaced with a trove of information that highlights the current status of local food nationally and within the state.

, ,

What Happens to the Family Farm: Succession Planning 101

, ,
What Happens to the Family Farm: Succession Planning 101

“What happens to the family farm?” is a question that commonly comes up after an unfortunate accident or death, which can add stress and tension to an already difficult situation. However, it’s ideal to create a plan early so the farm can pass more smoothly to the next generation. In this post, we discuss initial questions to consider and the best first steps to take when beginning the process of succession planning.

,

Bringing the Fun to the Farm: 5 Things to Consider Before Adding Agritourism to Your Operation

,
Bringing the Fun to the Farm: 5 Things to Consider Before Adding Agritourism to Your Operation

With apple picking and pumpkin patch seasons right around the corner, many seasonal Kentucky agritourism operations are gearing up for their busy seasons. At KCARD, we’ve been seeing a wide variety of agriculture operations adding elements of tourism and education to their farms, including u-pick berry farms, farm stays, hands-on workshops, Airbnbs, and more. In this post, we discuss five things to consider before adding agritourism to your farming operation.

About 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.

Contact Us

411 Ring Road
Elizabethtown, KY 42701

p: (859) 550-3972
f: (888) 319-4962

kcard@kcard.info