Barren County receives $100,000 USDA grant for planned grain elevator
BARREN COUNTY, Ky. — Barren County is receiving a $100,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to help prepare a site for a planned grain elevator in Park City, a project county officials say could reduce transportation costs for local farmers.
The USDA Rural Business Development Grant will help fund site preparation as the county moves forward with plans for the facility. The county will own the grain elevator, while CPC Commodities will operate it. The company is providing land for the project with access to rail transportation.
Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd said the project is intended to help farmers keep more of their earnings by reducing the cost of hauling grain to facilities farther away.
“You’ve got some farmers that grow 1,000 acres or more,” Bewley Byrd said. “And one of them, for example, said this could be a six-figure change in his profit margin.”
Bewley Byrd said even potential savings of $40,000 to $50,000 for smaller farmers could make a significant difference by keeping money in their pockets instead of spending it on fuel and transportation.
Ivan Pedigo of CPC Commodities said the Park City location’s rail access is a key advantage.
“With the acquisition of the Park City plant, it enables us to do more work by rail,” Pedigo said. “So this is going to be a great opportunity for Barren County and the farmers of our county.”
Travis Burton, USDA Rural Development’s state director for Kentucky, said the project could benefit farmers throughout the region, not just those in Barren County.
“This project absolutely puts farmers first,” Burton said. “It opens up new opportunities, not just for local farmers, the farmers in the region.”
The $100,000 grant is not expected to cover the full cost of construction. A study is underway to determine the facility’s size and help guide its design and projected construction costs.
County officials plan to pursue additional funding, including agricultural economic development funds, as the project advances.
The grant-funded work must be completed within the USDA’s funding period, which allows up to two years, according to Bewley Byrd.
The planned grain elevator is intended to provide farmers with closer access to grain storage and markets while using rail transportation to expand shipping options. The county hopes the facility will help reduce logistical expenses and strengthen the regional agricultural economy.
