E. Shared Use Equipment for Cattle Handling Facilities
Goal: This section of the Cattle Handling Facilities Program pertains to the infrastructure/equipment cost-share for selected shared-use equipment, which is considered to be essential to the improvement of cattle management and health, and thus the profitability of Kentucky producers. Recognizing that many producers with relatively small herds cannot justify the ownership expenses associated with certain equipment items, shared equipment programs may help producers access technology necessary to substantially improve their facilities in an economical manner.
Producer participation in a shared-use equipment program shall not restrict participation in the cattle handling facilities programs outlined in programs I-IV. A county deciding to participate in a shared-use cattle handling equipment program should designate county funds above and beyond those committed to cost sharing on aforementioned variable costs.
COST SHARE ITEMS:
Portable equipment, including: 1) scale, 2) squeeze, 3) crowding tub, and 4) loading chute
Prerequisites:
- Eligible applicants shall be limited to broad-based community organizations, such as the County Farm Bureau or the County Conservation District.
- Any single piece of equipment over $20,000 purchased through this program shall require a lien recorded by the KY Agricultural Development Board's (KADB) legal counsel. Disposal of the property within a five-year period from the initiation of the agreement requires approval by KADB staff with reversion rights to the KADB. Upon reversion the KADB may redirect the asset to an area of need.
- Cost share match shall be a minimum of 50% of the purchase price of the equipment only. In circumstances where the applicant would intends that accumulated fees act as part of the cost-share, fee rates and receipts must be projected over the useful life of the equipment.
- All equipment purchases require three written bids with the best bid being accepted.
- The purchasing entity shall supply the bid documentation and an explanation as to why the particular bid was selected.
- A user fee structure for maintenance and repairs, as well as equipment replacement shall be a part of the grant application.
- The purchasing entity must maintain insurance on the equipment through the life of the lien. Where the purchase price of the equipment is over $20,000, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board shall be listed on the insurance as an additional insured.
- The application must describe when producers will have access to the equipment and how producers will know about its availability.
