RESOURCES FOR BEGINNING AND EXPERIENCED FARMERS

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Traci Johnson, Oldham County Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent

January 5, 2022

Many farmers make business decisions as well as planting decisions during winter.  Sometimes that means a call to their local Extension office.  This is also a time when we get questions from beginning farmers or those interested in getting started.  An Extension agriculture agent’s main job is to give advice on production practices that have been proven through repeated research trials.  Our goal is to give farmers the best chance for success no matter what agriculture enterprise they are engaged in.

Agriculture agents usually have two or three areas of expertise to share.  Plus, we have access to specialists at the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University to help with questions we cannot answer.  Our job also involves connecting folks to other agencies that are best suited to answer some questions.  The following list of questions and answers provides contact information for several agencies that farmers need to know.

Q:  How do I get a farm tax I.D. number and/or a farm sales tax exemption?

A:  Kentucky Department of Revenue:  502-564-5170 or http://revenue.ky.gov/

Q:  Where can I find federal tax information for farms?

A:  Internal Revenue Service Farm Tax Guide:  https://www.irs.gov/publications/p225/index.html

Q:  How do I get/find out if I already have a farm serial number (FSN)?

A:  Farm Service Agency:  502-845-2820 or find your county office:  https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/

Q:  Where can I find technical advice on pond construction/repair, sinkhole repair, or other    conservation practices?

A:  Natural Resources Conservation Service: 502-845-2820 or https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

     Oldham County Conservation District:  502-222-5123

Q:  Where can I find information on EQIP, WHIP and other conservation cost-share programs?

A:  Natural Resources Conservation Service:  502-845-2820 or https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

     Oldham County Conservation District:  502-222-5123

Q:  Is there an agency that provides low-cost tree seedlings for residents?

A:  Kentucky Division of Forestry:  502-573-1085 or https://eec.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx  

Q:  Is there an agency that gives away trees on Earth day or Arbor Day?

A:  Sometimes, Oldham County Conservation District:  502-222-5123

Q:  Who can evaluate a timber stand for desired species, management, and/or harvest?

A:  Kentucky Division of Forestry:  502-573-1085 or https://eec.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx  

Q:  Where can I find trapping and hunting season information?

A:  Kentucky Fish and Wildlife: 800-858-1549 or http://fw.ky.gov/

Q:  Are there trappers who will trap nuisance wildlife for me?

A:  There are several entities that offer this service.

  • Kentucky Fish and Wildlife:  800-858-1549 or http://fw.ky.gov/
  • Local Pest Control businesses

Q:  Is there a tire amnesty/recycling program in my county?

A:  Solid Waste & Recycling:  502-565-1007 https://www.oldhamcountyky.gov/

Q:  Where can I find a list of farmers markets and CSA’s and Kentucky Proud products?

A:  Kentucky Department of Agriculture:  http://www.kyagr.com/ and click ‘Promotional Programs’

Q:  Where can I find information on product-specific regulations for farmers markets?

A:  Kentucky Department of Agriculture: 

      http://www.kyagr.com/marketing/farmers-market.html and/or local farmers market guidelines.

Q:  Is my property zoned for agriculture use/property tax?

A:  Property Valuation Administration:  502-222-9320 or http://oldhampva.com/

Q:  How do I apply for CAIP cost-share programs? 

A:  Oldham County Extension Office:  502-222-9453.  Each county has a council that decides when applications for cost-share will be taken and awarded.  Oldham County’s application period has historically been in June or July.  General information on CAIP and other KY Ag Development Fund cost-share is available at https://www.kyagr.com/agpolicy/

Q:  I’ve heard there are grants for… ? 

A:  There are several agencies that may offer cost-share or grant funding related to agriculture.

Q:  Are there agencies that provide low-interest farm loans?

A:  There are several entities that may provide low-interest farm loans

Q:  How can I find county ordinances relating to chickens, livestock, leash laws, etc.?

A:  Oldham County Fiscal Court:  502-222-9357 or https://www.oldhamcountyky.gov/

  • City ordinances may apply for those living in city limits
  • Neighborhood associations may have restrictions