KY Center for Ag & Rural Development

The University of Kentucky is seeking an Agriculture Extension Specialist in Farm Transition and Succession Planning to lead statewide efforts supporting farm viability, succession planning, business continuity, and risk management.

📢 This position has been reopened, and applications will now be accepted through July 1, 2026.

Learn more and apply: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/625280

We are looking for a highly motivated Agriculture Extension Specialist in Farm Transition and Succession Planning to join us. This role will lead statewide initiatives to develop and deliver research-based educational programs that strengthen farm viability, support seamless intergenerational transfer, and enhance long-term business continuity and risk management for agricultural operations. The application deadline is April 17, 2026. Details can be found at https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/625280

📅 Save the Date!

Farm marketing is about more than promotion—it’s about making decisions that support stronger sales and long-term financial stability.

Join KCARD and partner organizations for the Marketing for Financial Stability Workshop on July 28, 2026. This hands-on workshop will help farmers strengthen pricing, marketing, and sales decisions while connecting with ag service providers and developing a personalized 90-day action plan.

📍 Nolin RECC, Elizabethtown, KY
🕙 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
🍽 Lunch provided

Registration opens next week. More details coming soon!

Reminder: KCARD's USDA Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) webinar is this Thursday at 6:30 PM ET!

Register today ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/MPPEPwebinar

Interested in the USDA Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) grant opportunity?

Join KCARD on June 11 at 6:30 PM ET for a webinar covering program details, eligibility, and application considerations!

Register here ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/MPPEPwebinar

Happy National Dairy Month! 🥛

Raise a glass...of milk, and celebrate the contributions of our legen-dairy farmers to the U.S. and the world! Happy National Dairy Month 🐮🥛

📢 We're Hiring!

KCARD is seeking a full-time Administrative Assistant to support our team and help advance our work serving Kentucky's agricultural and rural businesses. This remote position offers flexible scheduling, benefits, and opportunities to work with a variety of agricultural sectors across the state.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to [email protected] by June 22, 2026.

Learn more about the position and qualifications: https://www.kcard.info/news2/kcard-hiring-administrative-assistant

Interested in the USDA Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) grant opportunity?

Join KCARD on June 11 at 6:30 PM ET for a webinar covering program details, eligibility, and application considerations!

Register here ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/MPPEPwebinar

KCARD staff recently took part in a hands-on training focused on setting up and operating a farmers market booth. 🌱 From vendor setup and customer engagement to overall market best practices, the training offered valuable perspective on what it takes to create a successful market experience.

We are always striving to learn from real life experiences to better support farmers and agricultural businesses across Kentucky with practical, relevant guidance.

Thank you to our special guests: Elmwood Stock Farm, High Five Farm, and Center for Crop Diversification!

This Memorial Day, KCARD honors and remembers the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We are grateful for their sacrifice and wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday. 🇺🇸

As KCARD continues to celebrate 25 years, we’re taking time to recognize the partnerships and collaborations that have helped support and strengthen our work with Kentucky agriculture. 🌱

Today, we’re featuring a testimonial from Brett Wolff with the Center for Crop Diversification. CCD's resources and expertise are frequently incorporated into KCARD’s work to help support Kentucky farmers, local food systems, and agricultural diversification efforts across the state. We’re grateful for their continued partnership and collaboration.

Stay tuned as we continue sharing reflections from partners and friends who have been part of the KCARD journey over the past 25 years. 🌾

📢 Reminder: LAMP grants are due on June 5th! Reach out to us for help!

📣 LAMP Grant Funding Now Open!

The USDA Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) grants are now open! This program includes three key funding opportunities: the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), and the Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP).

These grants support projects that strengthen local and regional food systems. KCARD can help you explore ideas, check eligibility, and shape your proposal early!

📩 Reach out to KCARD for help anytime! We’re happy to talk through your ideas and help you decide if this opportunity is right for you.