We’re celebrating 25 years of serving Kentucky agriculture by highlighting the people behind KCARD! Kati Bowman, Marketing & Business Development Specialist, has been part of KCARD for over eight years and has seen firsthand how the organization has grown to better serve producers and agribusinesses across the state. Learn more about Kati and her experience with KCARD in this post!
Transition planning can feel overwhelming, but starting the conversation is often the hardest step. This guide walks farm families through simple ways to prepare, organize key information, and begin discussing their vision for the future—helping make the process clearer, more productive, and less stressful.
KCARD is partnering with the University of Tennessee Extension’s Center for Profitable Agriculture to provide existing value-added dairy businesses with an in-depth analysis of their operation. This analysis consists of a comprehensive on-site evaluation by experienced and trained business consultants. The application deadline to be considered for the program is February 28th.
Marketing works best when it grows from a strong foundation. In Part 2 of KCARD’s Marketing Basics Series, we walk through common online and direct marketing channels for small farms and food businesses—and how to choose a realistic mix that fits your customers, goals, and day-to-day workload.
In 2025, KCARD continued supporting farmers and rural businesses across Kentucky, expanding programs, building connections, and helping communities thrive. As we approach our 25th anniversary in 2026, we’ll be sharing more stories of impact and the people, partnerships, and progress that have shaped KCARD over the years.
transition planning starter guide
Transition planning can feel overwhelming, but starting the conversation is often the hardest step. This guide walks farm families through simple ways to prepare, organize key information, and begin discussing their vision for the future—helping make the process clearer, more productive, and less stressful.
Farming is a risky business with significant costs, and one of the most expensive mistakes is failing to plan or oversimplifying the transition of the farm. At its core, successful transition planning boils down to clear, honest communication and planning ahead. When communicating across generations, consider addressing key issues early to build mutual understanding and ensure a smoother transition.
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.
