The USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program is a cornerstone for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers who wish to diversify their operations and expand their value-added products. For the current 2025 cycle and future cycles, there are some significant changes that you need to know if you’re interested in applying.
Learn about opportunities and challenges for the Kentucky dairy industry in this guest blog post from our friends at the Center for Crop Diversification!
As we enter the new year, many people will begin to look back at their records from 2024 to analyze their financial position and begin to prepare for the upcoming tax season. If you have an effective and efficient recordkeeping system, this process can be smooth and straightforward. Check out these tips to improve your recordkeeping system in 2025!
Businesses registered with the Secretary of State (such as LLCs or corporations) are now required to report Beneficial Ownership Information. As of December 26, 2024, the deadline for BOI filing has been suspended until further notice. However, the report is expected to be required in the future. We recommend voluntarily completing the report to avoid having to monitor future deadline updates.
Farming is a risky business with significant costs, and one of the most expensive mistakes is failing to plan or oversimplifying the transition of the farm. At its core, successful transition planning boils down to clear, honest communication and planning ahead. When communicating across generations, consider addressing key issues early to build mutual understanding and ensure a smoother transition.
As an agricultural business owner, it’s inevitable that you will be asked the question “what do you do?” by a wide variety of people, such as potential customers, investors, or even competitors. You might be asked at a school event, community gathering, or even while at the grocery store. Having a clear answer to this question can help you make new relationships that will help your business.
Keeping records is VITAL to your business. It helps you measure your growth (or decline), see what is costing you the most, and give you an idea of how much money you have at a given time. A business owner must think about how they can best keep records to ensure the system will be useful. In this blog post, KCARD outlines the three different types of recordkeeping systems.
Are you wondering if a point of sale system is a good fit for your business? A POS System allows you to maintain sales history, adjust production or buying decisions as well as analyze sales data to figure out how well items on your shelves are selling. Check out this blog post to learn more!
Maddie Grider, KCARD’s client coordinator and project assistant, took some time to answer a few questions about herself and the assistance she provides.
In the state of Kentucky, fruit and vegetable producers are right in the middle of their busiest time of year. Although most preparations take place later this year, or even early next year, there are steps producers can take now that will make next season that much better.
In this blog post we are highlighting some of the most frequently asked questions about registering for a farm number with the Farm Service Agency Office (FSA).
The cows grazing on the pastures behind Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese in Austin, Kentucky, are working hard, but the pay-off will take months before the milk they produce becomes the Kentucky Bleu, Colby, Norwood, Tomato Basil Cheddar, or Smoked Gouda and arrives at stores and restaurants across Kentucky.
Chris Chamberlain started Bluegrass Blessings after his retirement from the Air Force. He was kind enough to spend a few minutes with us and share a little bit about his farm and why he is passionate about agriculture.
On July 25, Kentucky AgVets will host the inaugural Kentucky AgVets Field Day at Cedar Creek Beef Company from 1-4 pm EST. Check out the questions and answers below for more information or if you have additional questions, email kpadgett@kcard.info.
“I need a feasibility study.” Maybe. When we hear these words at KCARD, we are going to want to know a lot more about your business and what you want to do with it.
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.
