This Dairy Month, we’re celebrating more than just milk—we’re honoring the hardworking families who bring it to our tables. Just outside Campbellsburg, Kentucky, siblings Sharon and Terry Rowlett turned a family farm challenge into a thriving creamery business. With grit, creativity, and support from KCARD, they transformed their dairy operation into Rowlett’s Milkhouse Creamery—proving that with the right support, rural dreams can grow strong.
Considering a grant for your farm or food business? Grants can help you grow—but success takes more than a good idea. You’ll need a clear plan, strong documentation, and the ability to manage reporting and reimbursements. Before you apply, make sure the grant fits your goals, you're ready to handle the admin work, and you understand the requirements. With the right prep, grants can be a game-changing investment in your business.
Thinking about incorporating your business into a legal business structure? As your business grows, choosing the right legal structure becomes a key decision. Incorporating can offer protection and perks—but it's not always the right move for everyone. Here's what to consider before making it official.
Looking to sell your products online but not sure where to start? This quick guide compares top e-commerce platforms—like Square, Shopify, Local Line, and more—designed for farmers and small businesses. Find the right fit to streamline sales, manage inventory, and grow your business online.
The USDA's Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) includes three key grant opportunities in 2025: the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), and Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP). These programs support efforts to improve food access, boost market opportunities for local producers, and strengthen regional food systems. Applications are due by June 27, 2025. Learn more about the programs and how to get started in this blog post!
The name of the game these days is social distance. So how do you accept payments from customers without getting closer than six feet or having to handle cash? Digital wallets are financial accounts that allow users to store funds, make transactions, and track payment histories by computer or phone. Here are some of the most popular options that will allow you to take payments without having to get a credit card reader (and some that connect with Square).
Question: Should I apply for “Coronavirus” money?
Answer: We are getting a lot of questions about coronavirus funding, so here’s what we do know and what we do not know.
Selling online can be a great opportunity for businesses to make up for lower in-person sales, pre-order products for quick pickup or delivery, and increase customer base to those who might not attend markets. Choose an online ordering service that meets your needs and works with the systems you already have. Check out five online ordering options we have seen clients use.
People are requesting gift certificates to help support local farms and local food businesses. Offering gifts cards is a great way to let people support you during this time of crisis. So how do you set that up? It depends on how you take payment now, but you have some options…
For most farm-based products, you do not collect and submit sales tax in Kentucky. However, if you are selling non-food items, such as soaps, painted gourds, or other farm-related crafts, you must collect and remit sales tax. In Kentucky, you do this quarterly. What if you sell online, in other states?
Have you thought about getting crop insurance but assumed it would be too expensive or that it was only for large-scale operations? Crop insurance can be an option for your farm to help you cover the risk associated with weather or revenue. Today, the federal government helps cover 38% to 80% of your premium, depending on the amount of coverage, the policy, and what you grow.
If you attended the National Farm Machinery Show this past week, the temptation of a bright, new shiny piece of equipment was a tempting one. Here is an “oldie but goodie” article from 2016 about making a big purchase for your operation.
Once you decide to hire someone, you need to lay the groundwork for keeping good employee records. What are some recordkeeping basics when you hire someone?
Is it time? If you have been a one-man or one-woman shop and haven’t made a hire yet, what are the questions you should ask yourself before making that hire? Check out this post from KCARD staff on the questions they pose to businesses considering this step.
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.
