It is almost time for the CAIP cost-share program to kick off again in Clark County.

The program gives farmers and landowners a chance to apply for cost-share through the Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund. If a producer applies for CAIP and is approved, he will have the option to invest the awarded funds into a variety of cost-share areas including, but not limited to, large and small animal genetics, farm infrastructure, fencing and on-farm water, forage and grain improvements, agricultural diversification, on-farm energy, livestock handling facilities, poultry and other fowl, technology and leadership development, and value-added marketing.

This is a great opportunity for Clark County producers, and I encourage everyone to apply.

The positive effects of the Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund can be seen not only here in Clark County but across the commonwealth. This program is a great example of how innovative the agriculture community is in Kentucky.

We will host a CAIP informational meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, May 8, at the Clark County Extension Office. The meeting will begin with a session covering all new information and any changes for the 2017 program season.

Immediately following that session, we will have a more in-depth presentation over the whole CAIP program for anyone who has never signed up before or would like to know more about the history of the program. Attendance at this meeting is not required to be eligible for CAIP.

CAIP applications will be available at the Clark County Conservation District beginning Tuesday, May 9, through Tuesday, May 30 (They will be closed Monday, May 29, for Memorial Day). The Conservation District Office is located at 667 Tech Drive.

Clay Stamm is the Clark County Cooperative Extension Service agent for agriculture and natural resources.