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Resource Links
This page is a guide to the various resources available to farmers and others in agriculture. Items are divided into categories as denoted by the headers. Recently posted listings are highlighted in green.
[Business & Finance] [Colleges of Agriculture] [Education & Skills Training] [Government: Federal]
[Government: State] [KADF Supported Businesses ] [Marketing & Promotion] [Organizations] [Other]
| Business & Finance |
- Agribusiness Industry Network
- The mission of the Agribusiness Industry Network is to assure that the economic growth potential of the diverse agribusiness industry is recognized and aggressively pursued. The mission of the Agribusiness Industry Network is to assure that the economic growth potential of the diverse agribusiness industry is recognized and aggressively pursued.
- KCED Entrepreneur Resource Navigator (ERN)
- This site provides an interactive tool to allow small business operators to locate the closest service provider for face-to-face help with their business.
- KCED Kentucky Business Guide (pdf)
- A directional tool for Kentucky's small businesses.
- KY Business Environmental Assistance Program
- The Kentucky Business Environmental Assistance Program (KBEAP) offers free and completely confidential air-quality environmental consultations to Kentucky businesses with less than 100 employees. Since its creation in 1994, KBEAP has provided on-site air quality assessments, permit application assistance and guidance on EPA regulations to more than 500 small businesses.
- KY Center for Cooperative Development
- Established in October 1999, the Center provides leadership, educational, technical and financial resources for groups and organizations seeking to enhance opportunities through cooperatives.
- KY Small Business Development Centers
- The Small Business Development Centers in Kentucky provide management assistance to current and prospective small business owners. SBDCs offer one-stop assistance to individuals and small businesses by providing a wide variety of information and guidance in central and easily accessible branch locations.
- The Innovation Group (TIG)
- TIG, an initiative of Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation, manages two state wide initiatives in Kentucky: a set of early stage investment funds called the Commercialization Investment Fund (CIF) and the Innovation & Commercialization Center (ICC) network that helps entrepreneurs define and prefect their ideas and helps them fund or license new and innovative technologies.
- USDA Rural Business Cooperative Service
- The mission of this program is to promote understanding and use of the cooperative form of business as a viable organizational option for marketing and distributing agricultural products.
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| Colleges/Departments of Agriculture |
- Berea College - Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources
- This site provides information about undergraduate programs in agriculture, as well as information about Berea's agriculture & horticulture facilities.
- EKU Department of Agriculture
- This site provides information about undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, as well as information about EKU's agriculture & horticulture facilities.
- KY State University Land Grant Program
- This site links to resources available through KSU's Land Grant Program. The KSU LGP works to resolve agricultural, educational, economic, and social problems of the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, especially limited resource persons and families.
- Morehead State - Department of Agricultural & Human Sciences
- This site provides information about undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, as well as information about Morehead's agriculture & horticulture facilities.
- Murray State - School of Agriculture
- This site links to programs, research, and resources available through Murray's School of Agriculture.
- WKU Department of Agriculture
- This site links to resources available through Western's graduate, undergraduate, and research programs.
- University of Kentucky - College of Agriculture
- This site links to UK's Cooperative Extension Service and the College's degree program, as well as other programs. There is also access to Agriculture Communications and various publications of the College.
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| Education & Skills Training |
- KY Adult Education
- DAEL's mission is to provide leadership and support for an education system that enables adult Kentuckians to acquire essential skills that promote economic vitality and improve the quality of life. This site has information regarding getting a GED and is also the home of "Kentucky Virtual Adult Education."
- KY Entrepreneurial Coaches Institute
- The Kentucky Entrepreneurial Coaches Institute is an interdisciplinary endeavor of the Departments of Community and Leadership Development and Agricultural Economics located in the College of Agriculture at the University of Kentucky. Funding for the Kentucky Entrepreneurial Coaches Institute is provided by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board under the administration of the Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy.
The objective of the Institute is to encourage diversification of the economies in rural Kentucky. Currently, the Institute is targeting 19 counties in Northeastern Kentucky, the most tobacco dependent region of the state. The Institute will identify and train community citizens from across the region who are willing to work with current and potential entrepreneurs to encourage the development of new business ideas and ventures.
- KY Office of Career and Technical Education
- OCTE's mission is to develop a versatile individual by providing technical education and skills training.
- KY Office of Employment and Training (OET)
- The Kentucky Office of Employment and Training is part of the Department for Workforce Investment. The work of this department falls into three broad areas: job services, unemployment insurance, and labor market information. This site provides job search information, training and re-employment information, as well as veterans services.
- KY School to Careers Program
- KY School to Careers is a federally funded system developed to offer all students access to programs designed to prepare them for rewarding careers, to increase their opportunities for further education and to make a successful transition to the work force. Agricultural Programs include greenhouses, hydroponics programs, molasses, aquaculture, and landscaping.
- KY Virtual Adult Education
- The Kentucky Virtual Adult Education (KYVAE) Web site, a partnership between the Kentucky Adult Education and the Kentucky Virtual University (KYVU), was created to help adults achieve their education goals.
- McConnell Technology & Training Center (MTTC)
- MTTC is a nationally recognized leader for technology services, information and training.
MTTC provides technology consulting and training for individuals and businesses, and innovative technology solutions for the U.S. Navy. The MTTC starting operating in 1993, and has offices in Louisville and Lexington.
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| Government: Federal |
- EPA National Agriculture Compliance Assistance Center
- The National Agriculture Compliance Assistance Center is the "first stop" for information about environmental requirements that affect the agricultural community. The Ag Center was created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- SBA's Kentucky office web site provides links to a variety of resources for start-up and existing small businesses.
- US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- USDA's web site provides links to all of the Department's agencies and programs, as well current news in U.S. Agriculture.
- USDA Farm Service Agency
- Stabilizing farm income, helping farmers conserve land and water resources, providing credit to new or disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and helping farm operations recover from the effects of disaster are the missions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA).
- USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
- "Providing timely, accurate, and useful statistics in service to U.S. agriculture" This site provides links to charts, maps, publications and data related to agricultural statistics. Agriculture Census 2002 data is also available.
- USDA National Organic Program
- This site provides information about the National Organic Program for consumers, producers, certifying agents and state agencies.
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
- The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.
- USDA Rural Development
- Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in all of rural America.
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| Government: State |
- KY Cabinet for Economic Development (KCED)
- This web site provides extensive information on the programs and services available through the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. They work with all types of businesses including existing businesses, newly locating companies, start-ups, small and minority businesses, and many others.
- KY Department of Agriculture (KDA)
- KDA's newly redesigned web site features links to programs administered by the department, as well as news and market information important to Kentucky agriculture.
- KY Division of Workforce & Employment Services (DWS)
- DWS is dedicated to the preparation of Kentuckians for employment by promoting and fostering a customer driven, integrated workforce development system which encourages and enables individuals to acquire the skills and work attitudes necessary to meet employer requirements for entry, re-entry, and retention in the labor market.
- KY Department of Tourism
- The KY Department of Tourism is charged with the promotion, development and maintenance of the state’s third largest industry—tourism. This page provides links to state parks, agri-tourism destinations, and other points of interest.
- Public Health Department
- Producers can obtain the applications for home-based processor registration and home-based microprocessor certification on this site. Questions concerning the registration process for home-based processors or the certification process for home-based microprocessors can be direction to the Kentucky Food Safety Branch at (502) 564-7181
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| KADF Supported Businesses |
- Acres of Land Winery
- Located in Richmond, Acres of Land Winery is 6-miles of I-75 on Old Barnes Mill Road. Visit their site for available wines, events, directions, and more.
- Boyd Orchards
- Just 5 minutes from the Castle in Versailles, the Boyd's are 5th generation fruit growers with many years of experience in agri-entertainment. Visit their site for event and tour information.
- Bramble Ridge Orchard, LLC
- The Bramble Ridge Orchard is a family-owned business providing customers a selection of locally grown fruits, fun family activities, and tours of the grounds and facilities. Visit their site for event and tour information.
- Buffalo Trace Hay & Produce Auction
- The mission of the Buffalo Trace Hay & Produce Auction is to provide a market for produce and hay for the farmers who have lost tobacco production in the five county area of Bracken, Fleming, Lewis, Mason and Robertson.
- Candle Bee Farm, LLC
- Candle Bee Farm™ products are available through this website or at fine retail shops across the U.S.A. The site also provides facts about beeswax and the history of the farm and business.
- Chaney's Dairy Barn
- Located on a 65-year old Jersey dairy farm, Chaney’s Dairy Barn offers ice cream that is made on the premises, as well as, homemade sandwiches, soups, ice cream cakes & pies, and a wide variety of Kentucky food items. Plans are in the works for a full processing facility on the farm in the next couple of years so that fresh Jersey milk may be sold directly to the public and used in their delicious ice cream. The Chaney’s have also filled the Barn with specially selected crafts made by Kentucky artists and companies.
- Chrisman Mill Vineyards & Winery
- At their small, family-owned estate vineyard and winery located in Nicholasville, Kentucky, their goal is to create fine wines expressing the unique varietal character of grapes grown in the Bluegrass region.
- Christian Way Farm
- One of Christian Way Farm's goals is to develop a place that provides an atmosphere of farm education and enjoyment for people of all ages, while providing a sustainable income for their family. Visit their site for event and tour information.
- Commonwealth Agri-Energy, LLC
- A 20-million gallon ethanol production plant owned by members of Hopkinsville Elevator Co-op and Kentucky Corn Growers Association.
- Cumberland Farm Products
- Cumberland Farm Products is a producer cooperative that was established in 1969. Visit their site for product offerings and contact information.
- Elements Enterprises, LLC
- The Elements Enterprises includes a bed & breakfast in the historic Old Crow Inn, a vineyard & winery, as well as an organic farm. Visit their site for more information.
- Elmwood Stock Farm
- Elmwood Stock Farm is a 375 acre diversified family farm located in the heart of the Bluegrass region near Georgetown, Kentucky. Over the past decade, they have grown and marketed a wide variety of meats, eggs, fruits, vegetables, tobacco, and even compost. Elmwood Stock Farm is certified organic.
- Equus Run Vineyards
- Equus Run Vineyards is nestled on 35 acres in the heart of Central Kentucky known for its thoroughbred estates and rolling fields of Bluegrass. Their boutique vineyard is within 15 minutes of Lexington, Versailles, Frankfort and Georgetown. Open year-round; hours vary seasonally. (859) 846-WINE
- Evans Orchard and Cider Mill, LLC
- Evans Orchard, established in 1994, is a family owned business providing each and every one of their customers fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Farmer Bill's
- Located just outside the picturesque northern Kentucky town of Williamstown, this 172-acre working family farm has a fall pumpkin patch and a petting zoo appropriate for children of all ages...from the very young to the young-at-heart. Visit their site for more information on events and services.
- Good Ol' Days Farm
- Good Ol' Days invites you to come inside where your greeted by the aroma of hickory smoked meats, catfish jumpin' on the lake, legendary bluegrass music; sampling Kentucky wines and Kentucky farm fresh produce prepared with our signature recipes and seasonings. Visit their link above for more information.
- Green River Cattle Company
- Green River Cattle Company, owned and managed by central Kentucky farmers, envisions connecting local beef producers with discriminating grocery and restaurant customers that desire gourmet premium beef. This site provides information about the company and where customers can purchase their products.
- Jackson's Orchard & Nursery Inc.
- Jackson's Orchard & Nursery is a family-owned orchard and has been in business for 35 years. During September and October, they offer an educational experience for everyone, through their School Tours around the Orchard. Students take a hayride around the orchard and are able to learn what goes into taking an apple from the tree and transforming it into cider.
- Lan Mark Farm
- Lan Mark Farm has completed the renovation of their 1910 tobacco barn into a wool processing mill. They are working with other fiber art enthusist and fiber animal breeders who share this interest. Their site provides links for fiber arts and to the Kentucky Wool Society.
- Mandolin Farm
- Mandolin Farm is located just outside Fleminsburg, KY. Their site provides information on events and festivals held on the farm.
- Maple Hill Manor
- Maple Hill Manor is a working farm set on 14 acres in the heart of Kentucky's scenic Bluegrass Region (an hour southeast of Louisville and an hour southwest of Lexington). Their website provides links for leisure visits, theme parties and weddings, and other services available.
- "R" Farm
- "R" Farm is a family-owned, 130 acre farm in Mason County, growing tobacco, hay, corn, pumpkins, and gourds. This web site provides information about activities on the farm: corn maze, Pumpkinfest, school tours, petting zoo, and more.
- Reed Valley Orchard
- Reed Valley Orchard is located out in the country halfway between Cynthiana and Paris. Their website provides information for school tours, varieties available, recipes, nature trail information, and the orchard's hours of business.
- Roundstone Native Seed
- Roundstone Native Seed LLC is owned and operated by Randy and John Seymour, a father and son team who know native warm season grasses, legumes, and forbs, and like to share our knowledge and experience with others. This site provides information about the company, their products, services, and prices.
- Sheltowee Farm
- Founded in 2001, Sheltowee Farm is a family owned and operated mushroom farm located in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest. This site provides information on mushrooms, workshops, and recipes.
- Shuckman's Fish Company & Smokery
- Shuckman's was founded in 1919 by Issa Shuckman in Louisville, Kentucky and is now in its fourth generation of family ownership. In 1999, Shuckman's Fish Company & Smokery was named Agribusiness of the Year by Greater Louisville Inc.
- Smith-Berry Vineyard & Winery
- Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery is a small family farm located in North Central Kentucky, on the northern edge of the state’s famous Bluegrass Region. They are a traditional cattle and tobacco farm that has diversified into grape growing and wine-making.
- StoneBrook Winery
- StoneBrook Vineyards & Winery is small farm family winery located in the previously know area of Indian Springs Valley in Northern Kentucky, current day Camp Springs. A newly renovated 116-year old farm house has been converted to a tasting room. Visit their site for available wines, tasting room hours, events, and more.
- Terrapin Hill Farm
- Terrapin Hill Farm is a 350-acre family-owned farm located west of Harrodsburg, Kentucky, along the Chaplin river. Terrapin Hill Farm encourages visitors to come for a farm tour or gardening workshop. They feel that when people get out to enjoy the natural beauty of the land and see where their food comes from, they can find their own connection to the land. Visit their website for more information about the farm and events held there.
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| Marketing & Promotion |
- KDA Office of Agricultural Marketing & Product Promotion
- This office assists farmers, agricultural businesses, and commodity groups to promote and market their products by expanding existing markets, as well as by developing domestic and international markets.
- KY Beef Network (KBN)
- The beef cattle programs outlined on this site not only help producers maximize opportunities available today, but they also help prepare Kentucky beef producers to meet the needs of the rapidly changing national beef industry. KBN is exploring all the opportunities and technology that will shape the future, some of which is already being implemented.
- Lexington Farmers' Market
- Established in 1975 as the Farm and Garden Market Cooperative Association, the Lexington Farmers' Market is a 65+ member market that has developed into a 3-day per week market, during the season. Visit their site for events, products, recipies, and location schedule.
- USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
- USDA AMS administers programs that facilitate the efficient, fair marketing of U.S. agricultural Products, including food, fiber, and specialty crops. AMS programs promote a strategic marketing perspective that adapts product and marketing practices and technologies to the issues of today and the challenges of tomorrow. In short, AMS helps make sure the U.S. marketing system remains world-class.
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| Organizations |
- Commodity Growers Cooperative
- The goal of Commodity Growers Cooperative is to build prosperous family farms and strong local communities through information technology, agriculture diversification, coalition focus, and policy development.
- KY Association of Resource Conservation & Development Councils, Inc.
- The Kentucky Association of RC&D Councils is a nonprofit association of local citizens joining together for the common good to plan and implement projects that improve the quality of life for the people of the State of Kentucky. The association provides coordination of events and activities of interest to councils and provides a vehicle for technology transfer
- KY Bed & Breakfast Association
- BBAK is a non-profit, statewide organization that is member driven organization dedicated to the advancement of the Bed & Breakfast Industry. Their website provides access to both guest services and member services.
- KY Cattlemen's Association
- The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association is the catalyst for the state’s multi-billion dollar beef industry. This non-profit organization serves as both the trade association, which is member driven, and as the qualified state beef council. This site provides links to programs of the Association and news important to cattle producers.
- KY Corn Growers Association
- "Advancing the Production, Utilization and Marketing of Kentucky Corn for Future Profitability."
- KY Council of Area Development Districts
- This site provides information about the states 15 Area Development Districts (ADDs). The mission of the ADDs is to bring local civic and governmental leaders together to accomplish major objectives and take advantage of opportunities which cannot be achieved or realized by those governments acting alone.
- KY County Judge/Executives Association
- This site provides information about local events/trainings, county information, and a listing of the County Judge Executives for each of Kentucky's 120 counties.
- KY Dairy Development Council (KDDC)
- KDDC is comprised of over 1,300 dairy farm families and multiple allied industry supporters, working together to produce a bountiful supply of the best quality milk so everyone can enjoy healthy, wholesome, delicious dairy products. Visit their site for resource links, events, programs, and to learn more about Kentucky's dairy industry.
- KY Extension Homemakers Association
- "Building on the past for a brighter future."
- KY Farm Bureau
- KY Goat Producers Association
- The KGPA's site provide information and resources for both meant & dairy goat producers in the Commonwealth.
- KY Produce and Aquaculture Alliance
- KPAA's mission is to unify member efforts by networking to promote member products, explore new market opportunities, and ensure quality to maximize our economic well-being.
- KY Small Grain Growers' Association
- KY State Beekeepers Association
- The KSBA is a statewide organization dedicated to the promotion of honeybees, beekeeping, and honeybee pollination in Kentucky. It aims to provide training in the art of beekeeping, the production of honey, and raising Queen Bees. This site provides resource links for beekeepers, as well as membership information.
- KY Vineyard Society
- The Kentucky Vineyard Society (KVS) exists to promote interest in grape growth and production and to promote grape products grown in Kentucky. Members of KVS include vineyard owners, winery owners, amateur wine makers, and many others with a general interest in grapes, their products and the expanding grape industry in Kentucky.
- KY Woodland Owners Association
- "Promoting Economically and Environmentally Sound Forest Management"
- KY Women in Agriculture
- Kentucky women have been working to make a difference in agriculture for many years. In 1999, the Kentucky Agriculture Women's Leadership Network was established to enhance these efforts. The mission of the organization is to empower women through education, involvement and action.
- KY Wool Society
- Kentucky Wool Society, LLC provides wool processing services, as well as educational services, for the fiber artist. They have associate artists who work together to encourage and teach each other new, traditional, and classic fiber art techniques and methods. They jointly help promote each others work through festivals and fun events. This site provides more information about this organization and its services.
- Partners for Family Farms
- Partners for Family Farms is a nonprofit organization working to help create and maintain the relationship between urban consumers and family farms. For more information contact Sue Weant at (859) 233-3956 or at msdweant@aol.com.
- River Valley Agri-tourism Alliance
- The River Valley Agritourism Alliance promotes agri-tourism in the River Valley area of Kentucky. The Alliance serves the following counties in Kentucky: Bracken, Fleming, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas and Robertson. Visit their site for more information.
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| Other |
- Biotechnology Research & Education Initiative (BREI)
- This site contains copies of the initiatives publications, slides, and presentations; ideas for educational materials; and discussions on bioethics, farm impacts, the environment, health issues, science, and more.
- Buffalo Trace Area Development District (BTADD)
- BTADD assists the five Buffalo Trace counties of Bracken, Fleming, Lewis, Mason, and Robertson with the planning and implementation of a variety of local programs and services.
- Center for Applied Ecology
- This program at Northern Kentucky University provides professional, science-based, environmental and ecological services to the regional community while offering practical professional experience to NKU students.
- Center for Rural Development
- The Center is located in Somerset and offers a technologically sophisticated conference center for events and meetings. In addition to housing trade shows and performing arts events, the Center also possesses video-conferencing & distance learning capabilities.
- Governor's Office for Local Development (GOLD)
- GOLD provides services and technical assistance to local governments within the Commonwealth. The department offers assistance in obtaining federal and state monies for the funding of various projects. These projects provide for construction and improvement of low-income housing, recreational facilities, public facilities and economic development.
- KSU Apiculture Research & Extension Program
- Program details and publications are available on this site.
- KSU Aquaculture Research & Extension Program
- Program details and publications are available on this site.
- Kentucky Fresh / Kentucky Proud
- This site enables consumer to sort entries by company and search specific areas for businesses that offer Kentucky products. It also features new stories and photos of producers who are part of the Kentucky Fresh/Kentucky Proud program.
- Northeast Center for Food Entrepreneurship (NCFE)
- The Center serves the northeast states, but has some good publications for those considering food ventures.
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