The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, chaired by Governor Ernie Fletcher, approved $145,000 at their monthly board meeting in support of agricultural diversification programs in Logan County

The Logan County Farm Bureau, Logan County Cattlemen's Association, Dairy Herd Improvement Incorporated, and the Logan County Conservation District submitted proposals for cost-share assistance to the Logan County Agricultural Development Council and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board.

The Logan County Farm Bureau received $20,000 to encourage diversification efforts in Logan County. The Agricultural Diversification Program offers cost-share assistance with individual producers seeking to diversify production. The main goal of this program is to improve net farm income through development and expansion of new agricultural products and through the development of new ways of working with existing agricultural commodities. For more information on this program contact Russell Poore at 542-4828.

The Logan County Agricultural Development Council continues to support cattle diversification efforts in the county. The Logan County Cattlemen's Association received $30,000 to support the Genetic Improvement Program. This program was created to increase the genetic quality of dairy and beef cattle in Kentucky through the selection of superior sires, either through purchase/lease of sires or artificial insemination (AI). For more information on this program contact Lonny Epley through the Extension at 726-6323.

The Logan County Cattlemen's Association received $30,000 for the Cattle Handling Facilities Program. This program offers cost-share assistance to individual beef and dairy producers in Logan County to implement best management and health practices that augment efficient production and marketing opportunities for beef and dairy producers in the Commonwealth. For more information on this program contact Jim Chestnut at 726-6323.

The Dairy Herd Improvement received $15,000 for the Dairy Diversification Program to encourage and assist existing and new dairy producers throughout the Commonwealth for construction, renovation, or modernization of existing dairy facilities. For more information on this program contact Willis Schrock at 726-6323.

The Logan County Conservation District was awarded $50,000 for the Hay, Straw and Commodity Storage Program in Logan County. This program offers cost-share assistance to individual producers seeking to increase income by implementing the best practices related to hay, straw and commodity storage and utilization. Using these practices will then improve feed and straw quality. For more information on this program contact William Johnson at 726-1371.

"We are continuing to strive for agricultural diversification across the commonwealth. The Agricultural Development Fund has helped Kentucky conquer this feat. These funds are a great benefit to Logan County through the agricultural diversification programs," said Senator Joey Pendleton, D-Hopkinsville

The Logan County diversification programs represent more than 2,972 projects that have been funded through Agricultural Development Fund, since the inception of the program in January 2001.

To learn more about cost-share and loan programs available in your area contact the Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy at (502) 564-4627.