Boards focus on grants, loans for farming diversity, growth.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 29, 2025) – Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell has recently made appointments to the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB) and the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation (KAFC).
Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation
Linda Rumpke, Lexington, was reappointed to the board. Rumpke will represent commercial lenders. Her new term expires June 26, 2029.
Frank Penn, Lexington, was reappointed to the board. He will represent the equine industry. His term expires June 26, 2029.
Steve Olt, Greensburg, was appointed to the board. He will represent dairy farmers. His term expires June 26, 2029.
KAFC addresses the unique financing needs of agriculture in the commonwealth. Its mission is to strengthen Kentucky agriculture by providing access to low-interest loan programs through joint partnerships with local lending institutions. KAFC assists beginning farmers, farm families, and agribusinesses obtain the necessary capital to establish, maintain, or expand their agricultural operation.
Kentucky Agricultural Development Board
Heather Graham, Campton, was reappointed. Graham will represent active farmers. Her term expires July 6, 2029.
Fritz Giesecke, Horse Cave, was reappointed. Giesecke will represent Kentucky Farm Bureau. His term expires July 6, 2029.
The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board provide grants and incentives to help farmers and agribusinesses innovate and grow.
Both boards meet monthly to review and approve loan and grant applications. To learn more about KAFC and the KADB meeting schedules visit the Kentucky Department of Agriculture website.
(Madison Pergrem – Office of the Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell)