Local Cost-Share Programs

Local Cost Share Programs

The Woodford County Fiscal Court provides funding for the Woodford County Conservation District's (WCCD) Local Cost Share Programs. Please thank your Magistrate and Judge Executive for continuing to support soil and water conservation in Woodford County.

Backyard Conservation Program

2024-2025

APPLICATION PERIOD HAS CLOSED.

The District supports good conservation practices both in the countryside and in Woodford County neighborhoods. This cost-share program will award Woodford County conservationists in 𝘼𝙉𝙔 property (renters and landowners eligible) 𝟓𝟎% 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 $𝟏𝟓𝟎 for backyard conservation project installation or maintenance.

Eligible costs include composting systems/materials, raised beds, soil amendments, mulch, plants, seeds, hand-tools for planting, greenhouse materials, native trees, beekeeping supplies, bat houses, and more!

Funding is limited - projects will be considered monthly until all funding is utilized.

Fallen Livestock Program

Continuous

The Woodford County Conservation District offers a Fallen Livestock Removal Program (with the assistance of the Woodford County Fiscal Court, Woodford County Ag Development Council, Woodford County Farm Bureau and the Woodford County Cattlemen’s Association).

The WCCD reimburses $125/animal with valid receipts from approved services.

Three area contractors are approved to collect large animal carcasses from your property. Carcasses transported to the UK Vet. Diagnostics lab are also eligible for reimbursement up to $125 with a copy of the receipt.

Click here to download our current list of approved collection companies.

Free Soil Testing Program

Continuous

The Woodford County Conservation District sponsors ALL non-commercial soil testing in Woodford County! That includes our urban conservationists who may want to test their backyard soil for gardening. Sample submissions are limited to 20/year.

To take advantage of this program, deliver your soil samples and a submission form to the UK Extension Office at 184 Beasley Road. The Extension Office will provide you're results and recommendations.

Call (859) 873-4601 or Click Here for more information.

Pollinator Patrol

Monarch Waystation Grant:

April 2026

In partnership with the Woodford Extension Master Gardeners, the WCCD sponsors a grant to purchase x10 plants of mixed common milkweed and nectar plants.

This Grant is designed to encourage Woodford County residents to establish or expand Monarch waystations by planting native plants that will attract and sustain Monarch butterflies and other pollinator species.

Cover Crop Programs

Field CC: APPLICATIONS OPEN

Sow by December 1st, 2025 to be eligible

To improve soil and water quality, this cost-share practice will pay $20 per acre up to 100 acres, for fall wheat and rye cover crops planted before December 1st.

$20 per acre for cover crops planted after a tobacco harvest (up to 50 acres).

*Combined program payment

cannot exceed 100 acres/$2,000.

Click here to download an application -to be returned with receipts (dated before December 1st) and accompanying paperwork.

Garden CC: Come and get it!

To encourage home gardeners to enhance their soil with a cover crop after harvesting, the WCCD gives away winter wheat + crimson clover seed mixes to interested residents. One bag will cover approximately 1,000 square feet. Bags are available to collect from the Ag Resource Building (first come - first served) from September-December.

Rock Gateway Program

Application period closed for 2025

Gateways receive a disproportionate amount of wheeled vehicle and hoof traffic, which often results in excessive pugging, rutting and erosion. This program assists farmers with the cost of laying filter fabric and rock in gateways to improve functionality and prevent soil erosion.

Program includes 40 ft. of geotextile fabric and 4-6" stone delivered.

FREE for the first 1-3 years and 75% cost share after year 3.

Download GUIDELINES and APPLICATIONS

Grid/Zone Soil Sampling

CONTINUOUS

Soil sampling large fields on a grid, or based on predefined zones, can help ensure that soil amendments are not applied to areas where they are not needed - saving money and preventing excess nutrient runoff and leaching into waterbodies downstream. The Woodford County Conservation District will reimburse up to $500 for grid/zone sampling each year. Applications are received on a continuous basis.

For more information about the program and to apply, download a copy of the application HERE or contact stop by the Ag. Resource Building for a printed copy.