The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service recently announced a record amount of funding for several of their key grant programs:
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Grants – due soon, so which one (if any) is right for me?
Q&A with Aleta Botts: Getting to Know the Executive Director
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.
Looking back: How Larry Snell set the trajectory for KCARD's success
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.
Job Opening: Grant Facilitator
The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development is seeking an individual to work with agricultural and rural-based businesses seeking KCARD assistance through KCARD’s Agribusiness Grant Facilitation Program. This is a full-time position, and KCARD employees have flexible scheduling options available.
Job Opening: Client Coordinator/ Project Assistant
The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development is hiring an individual to assist the KCARD team in its work with agricultural and rural-based businesses seeking KCARD services. This position will support KCARD’s work with these businesses and provide the individual with an opportunity to learn business development and advance to other positions.
How To Incorporate A UPC Barcode on Your Farm Products
Are you curious about incorporating a UPC barcode (Universal Product Code) on your food or farm product? UPC barcodes are commonly used on a variety of products to help track these items as they move through the supply chain. If you are targeting retail stores for sales, incorporating UPC barcodes on product labeling is a must.
Kentucky AgVets Partner Spotlight: Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office
The Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office (KSGDO) is a partner in KCARD’s Agvets program, which is helping veterans and active duty service members start or develop agricultural businesses. Kelley Yates with KSGDO took some time to answer a few questions about upcoming programs and how to learn more about small ruminant production.
COVID-related shifts in the Local and Regional Food Systems Markets
We all know that over the course of one long year of COVID-19, our habits have changed. From baking bread to who we break bread with, new norms have been established at a rapid pace. One team of researchers, led by the University of Kentucky, is documenting the innovations and COVID-related shifts in the Local and Regional Food Systems markets. Check out the detailed results from a 5,000-household surveyed in the fall of 2020 here and read some key takeaways and lessons for businesses that we have extracted, below.
Doing Your Own Market Research
One of the most important tools you can use for your business is good market research. Being able to do your own market research gives you a unique perspective into your business and its potential. Knowing your market is invaluable when planning for your current and future business plans.
KCARD Q&A with Myrisa Christy: Coordinating Work in Eastern Kentucky
Myrisa Christy, KCARD’s project director, took some time to answer a few questions about herself and coordinating work in Eastern Kentucky and with our partners in the Appalachian Region.