AGRICULTURE PROJECTS FUNDED IN
KENTUCKY
by USDA's
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program
1988-2025
KENTUCKY
by USDA's
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program
1988-2025
Kentucky has been awarded $6,585,572 grants to support 125 projects, including but not limited to, 16 research and/or education projects, 25 professional development projects and 29 producer-led projects. Kentucky has also received additional SARE support through multi-state projects.
Some grant programs may have been started or ended, or both, within the selected date range. Complete information may not be available for all grant programs prior to 2016.
| RESEARCH AND EDUCATION GRANTS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| LS25-401 | Building foundations for perennial grain agriculture in the Southeast | $399,781 | Lauren Brzozowski University of Kentucky Hanna Poffenbarger University of Kentucky Dr.Samuel Haruna Middle Tennessee State University Dr.David Van Sanford University of Kentucky | |
| LS23-384 | Evaluation of Soil Solarization as a Sustainable Management Method for Pests, Pathogens, and Weeds in Southeastern High Tunnels | $383,000 | Dr.Rachel Rudolph University of Kentucky Dr.Nicole Gauthier University of Kentucky Zachariah Hansen Dr.Erin Haramoto University of Kentucky Jonathan Larson University of Kentucky Dr.Margarita Velandia Dept. of Agric. & Resource Economics, University of Tennessee Dr.Annette Wszelaki Dept. of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee | |
| LS19-319 | Development of Local Small Grain Value Chains for Kentucky and the Mid-South | $232,669 | Dr.David Van Sanford University of Kentucky | |
| LS18-300 | Extending Roots of Fresh Stop Markets Across the Southeast Region | $271,831 | Dr.Keiko Tanaka University of Kentucky | |
| LS16-272 | Cover Crops Under Cover: Evaluating Costs, Benefits, and Ecosystem Services of Cover Crops in Year-Round High Tunnel Production Systems | $241,615 | Krista Jacobsen University of Kentucky | |
| LS14-265 | Jump Starting New Pawpaw Variety Production for the Industry: Developing Grafting and Top Working Approaches for Growers | $203,395 | Kirk Pomper Kentucky State University | |
| LS12-251 | Mapping Sustainable Farm Systems: An Integrated Focus on Upper South New Producers as Catalysts of “Good Stewardship” | $270,000 | Dr.Keiko Tanaka University of Kentucky | |
| LS06-185 | Biofumigation for soil health in organic high tunnel and conventional field vegetable production systems | $170,000 | Dr.Michael Bomford Kentucky State University | |
| LS03-151 | Development of Organic Production Practices for Pawpaw on Selected Rootstocks | $153,698 | Kirk Pomper Kentucky State University | |
| LS03-182 | Review of SSARE-funded Soil and Water Quality Projects: 1988-2003 | $50,000 | Victoria Mundy Bhavsar University of Kentucky Research Foundation | |
| LS01-127 | Organic Management of Cucumber Beetles in Cucurbits | $134,038 | John Sedlacek Kentucky State University Gary Cline Kentucky State University | |
| LS99-098 | Organic Vegetable Production for Limited Resource Farmers | $19,100 | Gary Cline Kentucky State University | |
| LS99-104 | Enhancing Farmers’ Income through Polyculture of Paddlefish with Catfish in the Southern Region | $140,135 | Stephen D. Mims Kentucky State University | |
| LS99-105 | Enhancing Feasibility for Range Poultry Expansion | $175,740 | Steven Muntz Heifer International | |
| LS97-089 | Integration of Freshwater Prawn Nursery and Growout Systems Into Diversified Farm Systems | $155,197 | James H. Tidwell Kentucky State University | |
| LS92-050 | Participatory Assessment for Strategic Planning in Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education | $183,550 | James V. Worstell Community Farm Alliance | |
| EDUCATION ONLY GRANTS | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| EDS25-083 | Urban Farmers and Food Systems in Kentucky | $49,062 | Dr.Cindy Finneseth University of Kentucky | |
| EDS23-045 | Adaptive Apiary for the Education of Appalachian Military Veterans | $41,000 | Dr.Amanda Skidmore Morehead State University Dr.Tammy Potter Commonwealth of Kentucky-Department of Agriculture Polly Rafferty Veterans' Outreach Dr.Silas Session Morehead State University | |
| EDS21-27 | Principles of Soil Health in a Variety of Market Farming Frameworks: Best Practices from the Field with Experienced Regenerative Farmers | $48,000 | Michelle Hochkeppel No-Till Growers Jesse Frost No-Till Growers | |
| PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM GRANTS | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| SPDP25-039 | Creating an Ag Professional Support System for Refugee and Immigrant Farmers | $77,042 | Dr.Cindy Finneseth University of Kentucky | |
| SPDP21-02 | Learning About Equity & Inclusion in the Food System Through a Storytelling Curriculum and Training for 4H Agents & Middle School Agriculture Teachers | $80,000 | Dr.Nicole Breazeale University of Kentucky Michelle Howell Need More Acres Farm Heather Hyden University of Kentucky Ashley Smith Black Soil: Our Better Nature Dr.Stacy Vincent University of Kentucky | |
| SPDP21-05 | Creating a Specialty Crop Sustainable Production Community of Practice for Kentucky Agriculture Professionals | $77,733 | Cindy Finneseth, PhD Kentucky Horticulture Council | |
| ES20-158 | Helping Agricultural Professionals and Mentoring Farmers to Train Previously Unreached Farmers about Sustainable Agriculture | $80,000 | Cynthia Rice Kentucky State University Dr.Maheteme Gebremedhin Kentucky State University Dr.Buddhi Gyawali Kentucky State University Dr.Shawn Lucas University of Vermont Dr.Marion Simon Kentucky State University Dr.Leigh Whittinghill Kentucky State University | |
| ES19-148 | Experiential High Tunnel Training for Cooperative Extension Service Agents in Kentucky | $64,304 | Dr.Rachel Rudolph University of Kentucky | |
| ES17-133 | Ecological Livestock Production: Integration of nutrient cycling, pasture management, winter feeding, and watering systems | $79,064 | Greg Halich University of Kentucky | |
| ES16-130 | Training Extension agents in Kentucky and Oklahoma on the Food Safety Modernization Act and food safety, sanitation, and good hygiene practices related to products for sale at farmers market | $78,166 | Paul Priyesh Vijayakumar University of Kentucky | |
| ES10-101 | Developing a Training Program in Sustainable Vegetable Production for Agricultural Professionals in Kentucky and Tennessee | $59,532 | Dr.Timothy Coolong University of Kentucky | |
| ES07-087 | Kentucky Sheep and Goat Herder Curriculum – Phase I | $90,000 | Ricky Yeargan University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service | |
| ES05-080 | Small-Scale Poultry Production: Sustainability Training | $129,530 | Steven Muntz Heifer International | |
| ES05-081 | Regional Meat Goat Production and Marketing Project: Phase 2 | $9,578 | Dr.Marion Simon Kentucky State University | |
| ES05-082 | Regional Meat Goat Production and Marketing Project: Phase 2 | $20,000 | Dr.Marion Simon Kentucky State University | |
| ES04-072 | The Value-added Microprocessor Project | $94,228 | Sandra Bastin University of Kentucky | |
| ES04-074 | Enhancing Alternative Niche Market & Retail Opportunities for Agricultural Products | $47,127 | Betty King University of Kentucky | |
| ES04-075 | Regional Goat Production and Marketing Project | $84,550 | Dr.Marion Simon Kentucky State University | |
| ES03-070 | Barriers and Opportunities for Adding Value to Small Ruminant Animals | $44,490 | Betty King University of Kentucky | |
| ES02-063 | Adding Value with Small-Scale Fruit and Vegetable Processing | $41,965 | Betty King University of Kentucky | |
| ES01-052 | “The Third Tuesday-Thursday Thing”: Building on Kentucky’s Experiences and Expanding the Sustainable Agriculture Educational Model into Tennessee | $50,000 | Dr.Marion Simon Kentucky State University | |
| ES00-048 | Training in Size Appropriate Technology for Hill Farmers | $84,686 | Betty King University of Kentucky | |
| ES00-049 | Nutrient Management Plans as Tools to Achieve Sustainable Animal Waste Utilization | $83,056 | Stephen Coleman Kentucky Division of Conservation | |
| ES97-015 | Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Training Project | $50,000 | Dr.Marion Simon Kentucky State University | |
| ES97-026 | Community Food Security and Marketing Capacity Development in Kentucky | $79,970 | Karen Armstrong-Cummings Commodity Growers Cooperative | |
| ES97-028 | Grass-roots Empowerment in Kentucky’s Local Conservation Districts: Leadership Training on Sustainable Land and Water Quality Management Practices | $86,280 | Stephen Coleman Kentucky Division of Conservation | |
| ES97-032 | Responding to Expressed Needs: SARE/ACE Regional Training with the Sustainable Dairy Systems Manual and Software | $48,500 | Dr.Clark Garland University of Tennessee Steve Isaacs University of Kentucky | |
| LST96-011 | Southern Gathering on Agricultural Problem Solving | $52,000 | Ronald J. Hustedde University of Kentucky | |
| FARMER/RANCHER GRANTS | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| FS23-352 | Improving Yak Artificial Insemination Conception Rate and Providing Data for Informed Decision-making for Improving Farm Sustainability | $15,000 | Gregor Dike Cave Run Area HfH | |
| FS23-357 | Explore Average Daily Gain of Warm Season Perennial Grasses for Commercial Meat Goats | $14,700 | Fatima Jackson Action Jackson Farms | |
| FS21-335 | Development of AI for Yak Semen and the Potential Economic Benefits to Southern Region Yak, Small Acreage Farmers and Beef Producers | $14,998 | Gregor Dike Cave Run Area HfH | |
| FS19-318 | Using Maple Sugarbush Management Practices to Increase Walnut Syrup Production | $3,410 | Mark Justin Moore Cedar Hill Homestead | |
| FS18-311 | Evaluating Sweet Sorghum and Poultry Alley Cropping in Agroforestry as an Economical and Sustainable Alternative to Tobacco Crops | $9,436 | Matthew Wilson Rindlewood Farm | |
| FS17-301 | Using Lotus as an Alternative Crop to Generate Farm Income | $9,696 | Cheryl Pan Cheryl's Farm | |
| FS14-279 | A comparison of organic no-till and traditional tillage/cultivation systems on a small-scale vegetable farm | $2,344 | Maggie Bowling River Bend Farm | |
| FS12-258 | Soil Analysis Directed Ground Cover Approaches to Excessive Canopy and Weed Control in Southern Vineyards | $7,007 | Dr.David Hall Eddy Grove Vineyard, Inc | |
| FS06-204 | Developing Dual Purpose Quail for Small Farmers | $7,600 | Martin H. Meers Black Forest Poultry Farm | |
| FS04-182 | Control of Internal Parasites in Goats with Rotational Grazing of Sericea Lespedeza | $7,289 | Wayne Kirby | |
| FS03-168 | Kentucky Coordinated Poultry Alliances | $7,086 | Matthew D. John Shady Lane Poultry Farm, Inc. | |
| FS02-148 | Market Enhancement and Outreach Project | $12,800 | Janet Eaton Farm & Garden Market Cooperative Association | |
| FS01-130 | Improving Salad Mix Quality and Yield Through Soil Management and Post Harvest Techniques | $9,600 | Carol Cassedy C/O Whitestone Organic Farm | |
| FS01-137 | Marketing Edamame Soybeans in Kentucky | $9,133 | Sara McNulty Wildwood Acres | |
| FS01-141 | Pastured poultry production | $7,003 | Mac Stone | |
| FS01-144 | Opti-Maizing Beef Cattle Profits and Environmental Quality | $12,716 | Beth Wilson Pulaski County Ag. Advancement Council | |
| FS00-109 | Marketing Timber After Adding Value Through the Use of One-Person Sawmills and Solar Kilns | $10,000 | Michael Best | |
| FS00-126 | Locally Produced Chicks for Use in Pastured Poultry System | $9,869 | Laura Rogers | |
| FS99-084 | Utilization of Wood Waste and Agricultural By-products in High-value Gourmet Mushroom Production | $9,507 | Gary Anderson | |
| FS99-100 | Alternative Pollinators | $3,475 | Roger Smith | |
| FS98-066 | Adding Value to Kentucky Grown Produce Through Season Extension and Market Development | $8,670 | Ann Bell Elmwood Stock Farm | |
| FS97-046 | Sustainability Starts at Home-Building Regional Self Reliance through Agritourism | $9,580 | Karen Armstrong-Cummings Commodity Growers Cooperative | |
| FS97-055 | Overwintering Survival of Kentucky Honeybees | $5,283 | Mark Q. Lee | |
| FS97-056 | Managed Grazing System to Increase Sustainability | $2,630 | Evan McCord Madison County Beef Cattle Association | |
| FS97-062 | Maximizing Corn Production in the Mountains of Southeast Kentucky | $4,955 | David Teague Henderson Settlement | |
| FS96-039 | Group Strategic Alliances for Carroll County Feeder Calves | $10,000 | Tim Hendrick Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service | |
| FS96-040 | Technical Assistance for Meat Goat Marketing | $8,900 | Neil Hoffman Eastern Kentucky Goat Producers Association | |
| FS95-031 | Improving Quality of Slaughter Hogs as a Marketing Strategy for Small Producers | $9,150 | Judy Williams Bluegrass Pork Producers | |
| FS94-017 | Shrimp Polyculture in Existing Farms | $3,109 | Mark & Carolyn Straw Straw Ridge Farm | |
| GRADUATE STUDENT GRANTS | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| GS19-213 | Investigating the Effects of Grass-legume Winter Cover Crop Mixtures on Soil Nitrogen Supply in Rolling Agricultural Landscapes | $16,447 | Hanna Poffenbarger University of Kentucky Sam Leuthold Colorado State University | |
| GS18-183 | Improving Sustainable Weed Management in Soybean Agroecosystems Through Cover Cropping | $16,490 | Dr.Erin Haramoto University of Kentucky Ryan Collins University of Kentucky | |
| GS13-125 | Economic Analysis of Commercial Aquaponic Production Systems | $9,975 | Dr.Timothy Woods University of Kentucky Kevin Heidemann University of Kentucky | |
| GS08-065 | Effects of organic amendments on aggregation and microbial community dynamics in soils | $10,000 | Elisa D'Angelo University of Kentucky Mark Williams University of Kentucky Shawn Lucas University of Kentucky - Dept. of Plant and Soil Sciences | |
| GS08-072 | Sustainable Management for Scarab Pests Impacting Grape Production in the Southern Region | $9,750 | Dr.Daniel Potter Dept. of Entomology Dr.Derrick Hammons University of Kentucky | |
| GS02-014 | Streambank Erosion Associated with Grazing Activities in Kentucky | $9,836 | Dwayne Edwards University of Kentucky Carmen Agouridis University of Kentucky | |
| GS00-003 | Resilience of Nitrogen Availability and Retention in Soils of Kentucky Certified Organic Farms | $6,900 | Mark Coyne University of Kentucky Victoria Bhavsar University of Kentucky | |
| ON FARM RESEARCH/PARTNERSHIP GRANTS | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| OS23-161 | Urban BIPOC Farms Mentoring Program | $29,961 | Tiffany Bellfield Kentucky Black Farmer Cooperative | |
| OS22-157 | Yaks Add Farm Diversification | $19,979 | Dr.Jeff Lehmkuhler University of Kentucky | |
| OS19-130 | Integration of Predator Releases with Insecticidal Soap Sprays for Management of the Sugarcane Aphid | $14,913 | Jonathan Larson University of Kentucky | |
| OS19-127 | Bale Grazing: On-farm evaluation in the upper South | $12,252 | Greg Halich University of Kentucky | |
| OS16-097 | Brassicaceous Cover Crops to Reduce Root Knot Nematode and Improve Soil Quality in Protected Tomato Production Systems | $14,990 | Emily Pfeufer University of Kentucky | |
| OS16-099 | Alternative Substrate for Soilless Production of Vegetables | $12,834 | Dr.John Snyder University of Kentucky | |
| OS14-092 | A New Appropriate Technology Machine System to Benefit the Sustainability of Local Organic Vegetable Production | $14,906 | Dr.John Wilhoit University of Kentucky | |
| OS13-070 | Clinical Mastitis Incidence in Compost Bedded Pack Barns as Compared to Freestall Barns | $13,750 | Dr.Jeffrey Bewley University of Kentucky | |
| OS13-076 | Elucidating the Spread and Transmissibility of Blueberry Mosaic Virus, a New Disease of Blueberry in the Southeastern U.S. | $15,000 | Dr.Nicole Ward Gauthier University of Kentucky | |
| OS09-047 | Sweetpotatoes: A profitable crop for small farms in rural Eastern Kentucky | $14,791 | Dr.Timothy Coolong University of Kentucky Sarah Fannin University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension | |
| OS04-019 | Production Costs and Techniques for Blueberry Establishment in Eastern Kentucky | $3,764 | Matt Ernst University of KY | |
| OS03-008 | Limiting Grazing Cattle Access to Ponds to Improve Water Quality, and water and Feed Intake | $14,945 | Stephen Workman University of Kentucky | |
| OS03-009 | Year Round Beef Cattle Grazing Strategy to Eliminate or Reduce the Use of Stored Feeds | $15,000 | David Ditsch | |
| OS03-011 | Goat Friendly Pastures | $14,975 | Terry Hutchens Univ of Kentucky & Kentucky State Univ | |
| OS03-014 | Kentucky Blueberry Market Development | $4,786 | Dr.Timothy Woods University of Kentucky | |
| SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY INNOVATION GRANTS | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| CS09-069 | New opportunities on the Farm – Community and Farm Revitalization in Five Eastern Kentucky Counties | $10,000 | Gayle Clevenger East Kentucky Foothills Eco-Agritourism, Corp | |
| CS07-052 | Growing healthy markets: healthy farms, healthy food project | $10,000 | Donald Van Erden Community Farm Alliance Elizabeth Ledford Community Farm Alliance | |
| CS04-020 | Women Taking the Lead for Kentucky Agriculture | $9,900 | Gae Broadwater Kentucky Women in Agriculture, Inc. | |
| CS04-025 | Aquaculture Development in the Pine Mountain Region of Southeast Kentucky | $10,000 | Paul Pratt Southeast Community College | |
| CS03-013 | Expanding Community-Based Retail Opportunities for Agricultural Products Through the Woodford County Farmers’ Market Association | $9,700 | Betty King University of Kentucky | |
| CS02-006 | Keen on Beans: Establishing Edamame Awareness and Demand for Kentucky Consumers and Growers | $8,712 | Martha Lee U of KY Cooperative Extension Service--Daviess Co. | |
| PDP STATE PROGRAM GRANTS | ||||
| The following are non-competitive awards that fund the activities of the SARE state coordinator(s) within each state. | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| SKY24-A01 | 2024-25 SSARE Assistant Funds | $30,000 | Dr.Timothy Woods University of Kentucky Jerusha Lay, DVM Kentucky State University | |
| SKY24-A02 | 2024 MODEL STATE PROGRAM - Assistant | $33,000 | Jerusha Lay, DVM Kentucky State University Dr.Timothy Woods University of Kentucky | |
| SKY24-001 | 2024-25 SSARE Training Funds | $22,000 | Dr.Timothy Woods University of Kentucky Jerusha Lay, DVM Kentucky State University | |
| SKY24-002 | 2024 - 2025 Model State Program KSU | $22,000 | Jerusha Lay, DVM Kentucky State University Dr.Timothy Woods University of Kentucky | |
| SKY23-001 | 2023-2024 MSP Training Grant | $22,000 | Dr.Timothy Woods University of Kentucky Brett Wolff University of Kentucky | |
| SKY23-002 | Kentucky State University - 2023-2024 MODEL STATE PROGRAM | $22,000 | Jerusha Lay, DVM Kentucky State University | |
| SKY23-A001 | 2023-2024 MSA Assistant Grant | $33,000 | Dr.Timothy Woods University of Kentucky | |
| SKY23-A002 | Kentucky State University - 2023-2024 MODEL STATE PROGRAM - Program Assistant | $33,000 | Jerusha Lay, DVM Kentucky State University | |
| SKY22-001 | University of Kentucky Training Grant- MSP22 | $11,000 | Dr.Timothy Woods University of Kentucky | |
| SKY22-002 | Kentucky State University 2022 Model State Program | $11,000 | Jerusha Lay, DVM Kentucky State University | |
| SKY21-002 | 2021 Kentucky State University Model State Program Application | $11,111 | Dr.Marion Simon Kentucky State University Dr.Timothy Woods University of Kentucky | |
| SKY21-001 | 2021 University of Kentucky Model State Program Application | $11,111 | Dr.Timothy Woods University of Kentucky Dr.Marion Simon Kentucky State University | |
| SSKY21-A04 | 2021 Kentucky Model State Program Assistant Application | $33,333 | Dr.Timothy Woods University of Kentucky Dr.Marion Simon Kentucky State University | |
| SKY20-001 | 2020 Model State Program- University of Kentucky | $11,111 | Dr.Timothy Woods University of Kentucky | |
| SKY20-002 | 2020 Model State Program- Kentucky State University | $11,111 | Dr.Marion Simon Kentucky State University | |
| SKY19-001 | 2019 Model State Program- University of Kentucky | $11,111 | Dr.Timothy Woods University of Kentucky | |
| SKY19-002 | 2019 Model State Program- Kentucky State University | $11,111 | Dr.Marion Simon Kentucky State University Dr.Timothy Woods University of Kentucky | |
| SKY18-001 | SKY18-001 | $44,444 | Dr.Timothy Woods University of Kentucky | |
| SKY18-002 | SKY18-002 | $11,111 | Dr.Marion Simon Kentucky State University | |
| SKY17-001 | SKY17-001 | $44,444 | Dr.Paul Vincelli University of Kentucky Dr.Marion Simon Kentucky State University | |
| SKY17-002 | SKY17-002 | $11,111 | Dr.Marion Simon Kentucky State University Dr.Paul Vincelli University of Kentucky | |
| SKY16-002 | 2016-2017 Model State Program Kentucky State University | $11,111 | Dr.Marion Simon Kentucky State University | |
| SKY16-001 | 2016-2017 Model State Program University of Kentucky | $11,111 | Dr.Paul Vincelli University of Kentucky | |
For further information on projects, contact 770-412-4787 or ssare@uga.edu.
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) is funded by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).