Agricultural Premium Program
The Agricultural Premium Program supports Kentucky local agricultural fairs by funding premiums and awards for approved exhibits, shows, and contests, helping promote local fairs.
Funder: Office of Agricultural Marketing
Due Dates: December 1, 2026 (final financial report deadline) | March 1, 2027 (state aid request) | April 1, 2027 (open class show forms)
Funding Amounts: Up to $4,500 per fair per year, matched dollar for dollar by local funds
Summary: Funds premiums and awards for approved exhibits, shows, and contests at Kentucky local agricultural fairs.
Key Information: Fair boards must be incorporated and hold an annual fair lasting at least three consecutive days.
Description
The Agricultural Premium Program helps local agricultural fairs pay premiums and awards for approved exhibits, shows, and contests. It is part of Kentucky’s State Aid to Local Agricultural Fairs Program, established to promote local fairs. The Commissioner of Agriculture oversees the program, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Division of Shows and Fairs administers it, and the Kentucky Fair Council advises the Commissioner.
Approved activities span livestock and showmanship classes, livestock performance contests, crops and produce, poultry products, bees and honey, farming-related judging contests, and food preparation and preservation. Certain 4-H, FFA, and FHA project exhibits also qualify, as do classes featuring flowers, clothing, home furnishings, handicrafts, and antiques.
