New Grant Funding to Expand Conservation Support for Kentucky Corn Growers

Precision Conservation Management (PCM), in collaboration with the IL Corn Growers Association and Kentucky Corn Growers Association, has received new grant funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to bolster regenerative agriculture practices. This grant is part of the $14.7 million NFWF awarded nationwide to advance soil health and improve water quality on working lands.

The awarded funds will expand PCM program availability to corn, soybean, and wheat farmers in Kentucky with a focus on adopting cover crops, no-till, strip-till, and nitrogen fertilizer recommendations. PCM will work with farmers in the central Kentucky region to implement regenerative corn growing practices on more than one hundred thousand acres throughout five years.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is joining this effort by providing tools for corn farmers to successfully implement proven practices that will support the long-term resilience of the state’s historic agricultural community while providing economic and sustainable value to regenerative agriculture in Bourbon and distilling.

The collaborative Kentucky partnership, formed by Brown-Forman, Diageo North America, Heaven Hill Brands and Suntory Global Spirits, will support farmers by hiring additional conservation specialists to maximize management education beginning in 2025.

“We are just thrilled PCM received this grant award! Kentucky Corn has been involved with PCM since its inception, nearly a decade ago, because we know the importance of the information it provides farmers and the industry,” said Laura Knoth Executive Director of Kentucky Corn. “We are proud to have played a role in connecting the dots to bring our distilling partners into this effort. It will be exciting to see farmers and end-users realize benefits from the grant as we demonstrate to the world how amazing our farmers are when presented with a challenge.”