Value-added dairy businesses play an important role in farm profitability and rural economies, but growth brings new operational challenges. KCARD shares insights from dairy processor evaluations across Kentucky and the Southeast, highlighting common themes and practical opportunities to strengthen efficiency, consistency, and long-term success.
Learn how agricultural mediation can help Kentucky farmers and agricultural businesses navigate difficult conversations, farm transitions, and other challenges through confidential, neutral, no-cost support available through KCARD’s Kentucky AgriLegacy Solutions Program.
As part of KCARD’s 25th anniversary celebration, we’re highlighting the people behind the work. Maddie Grider shares how her agricultural roots and passion for supporting farmers have shaped her role at KCARD—and why helping Kentucky producers succeed continues to motivate her every day.
KCARD is now a USDA-certified agricultural mediation center, bringing free, confidential mediation services to Kentucky farm families for the first time. This program helps producers navigate challenges such as agricultural loans, farm transition, and succession planning with the support of a neutral third party. Learn how this new resource strengthens support for Kentucky agriculture.
Promotion is about more than visibility—it’s about building relationships and connecting with your customers. This post explores practical marketing strategies for farms and food businesses, including engaging social media content, value-added promotions, and simple planning tools like a monthly content calendar. Learn how consistent, authentic storytelling and thoughtful promotions can help grow your audience and strengthen your brand.
U-Pick operations are a critical direct marketing approach for many farms in Kentucky and provide customers with a unique hands-on connection to fresh produce grown locally. Here are some key points to keep in mind before you open for the season.
The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development is a non-profit organization established to facilitate agricultural and rural businesses in Kentucky. We are supported primarily through grants provided by the USDA Rural Cooperative Development Program and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. Additional support is provided through our work with partners around the state and through fees charged for select client services.
