Soil conservation district reports 46 CATE approvals, $125,000 in cost-share last year; office relocates to West Main

Bob Jones, representing the Spencer County Conservation District, briefed the Spencer County Fiscal Court on June 2 about last year’s conservation programs and the district’s plan for the coming year.

Jones said the county had 46 approved CATE applicants last year and financed roughly $125,000 in those projects. He said the district’s cost-share and technical programs — including head-handling facility improvements for livestock producers and backyard conservation for small-acreage owners — have helped local farmers adjust to reduced tobacco payments and other economic shifts.

The district will open applications for the CATE program July 1 and will hold an information meeting at the extension office in June; Jones encouraged interested residents to attend. He also said district cost-share sign‑up runs in June and that the district plans to continue a soil-sample program, noting laboratory fees will increase from $6 to $8 but that the district planned to fund samples for participating farmers.

Jones told the court the conservation office moved to 207 West Main (the white building between the old post office and Dudley Dale’s law office). Rental equipment formerly housed at a private operator’s site was moved to Moores Long in the Elk Creek area for continued public rental and service.

At the close of his presentation Jones provided a donation to the county’s dead-animal removal program and posed for a photo with county officials. Court members thanked the conservation district for its programs and encouraged farmers and residents to attend upcoming sign-ups and information sessions.

Jones also asked residents to note program deadlines and noted staff contact information for people seeking assistance. “The CATE program has really helped,” he told the court, summarizing the district’s work.