Key Takeaways:
- Four leading distilleries and the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) are partnering with Precision Conservation Management (PCM) and the Kentucky Corn Growers Association (KCGA).
- The $2.8 million, five-year initiative will help Kentucky corn farmers adopt regenerative agriculture practices.
- The program aims to support over 100,000 acres of corn farming while providing economic and environmental benefits.
- Farmers will receive free financial analysis tools, conservation education, and incentives for adopting sustainable practices.
What Is the Purpose of This Initiative by Kentucky Distillers?
The partnership, formed by Brown-Forman, Diageo North America, Heaven Hill Brands, Suntory Global Spirits, and the KDA, aims to support Kentucky corn farmers in implementing regenerative agriculture practices. The initiative focuses on enhancing long-term farm resilience and sustainability while strengthening the supply chain for Bourbon and other distilled spirits.
Eric Gregory, KDA President, emphasized the broader impact: “With much of our distillers’ corn being produced in Kentucky, we see the massive impact that Bourbon has on Kentucky’s ag climate. As these four distilleries unite to support regenerative corn growing practices, I look forward to seeing how new resources and incentives can further propel our local farmers without impacting our bottom line.”
What Will Farmers Gain From This Program by Kentucky Distillers?
Farmers participating in the initiative will benefit from:
- Conservation Specialists: Additional specialists will provide on-farm guidance to improve decision-making and implement sustainable practices.
- Financial Benchmarking: PCM will provide free financial assessments, helping farmers compare their farm’s performance to regional and statewide data.
- Economic Incentives: Participants will receive sign-on bonuses and acre-based incentives for adopting reduced tillage, cover crops, and nitrogen use efficiency practices.
- Ease of Adoption: The program will reduce administrative burdens and help farmers identify scalable economic and environmental benefits.
Greg Goodwin, Director of PCM, highlighted the challenges farmers face: “Farmers are spread thin and are already making hundreds of management decisions each year. Our specialists work hand-in-hand with farmers to identify opportunities to improve the health of their farmland and the success of their operation.”
How Will the Program Impact Corn Farming in Kentucky?
Over the five-year period, the program aims to implement regenerative practices on more than 100,000 acres of Kentucky farmland. These efforts will focus on:
- Improving soil health.
- Reducing environmental impact.
- Supporting sustainable supply chains for the distilling industry.
Joseph Sisk of Sisk Farms, a participant since 2015, shared his experience with PCM: “I routinely work with my conservation specialist to analyze data and confirm the economic benefits of decisions I have made to adopt new practices and innovate for the environment. PCM has also helped me better understand how our practices are closely tied to the supply chain.”
