Senator McConnell Secures Over $11 Million for Kentucky Agriculture and Rural Communities

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that he secured more than $11 million in federal funding for several Kentucky-focused priorities included in the final FY 2026 Agriculture Appropriations Conference Report. Senator McConnell, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, played a key role in shaping the legislation that President Trump signed into law last night.

University of Kentucky College of Agriculture

• $10 million for the University of Kentucky and USDA Agricultural Research Services (ARS) Forage-Animal Production Unit. The federal funding will be used to construct a new state-of-the-art agricultural research laboratory at the University. This builds upon federal funding previously secured by Senator McConnell for the project in FY 2020.

"This federal investment marks a major step forward for agricultural research and innovation at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture," said Senator McConnell. "I was proud to secure this funding on behalf of UK, which will support agricultural research vital to our farmers and rural communities."

"We are deeply grateful to Senator McConnell for his continued leadership and steadfast support of Kentucky agriculture. This investment strengthens a decades-long partnership between the University of Kentucky and the USDA Agricultural Research Service - one that has yielded innovations vital to our state's signature industries, from beef and equine production to the emerging hemp economy," said UK President Eli Capilouto. "With this funding, we can continue developing science-based solutions that advance the productivity and profitability of Kentucky farms and improve the livelihoods of those who sustain them."

Ohio County Healthcare

• $1.35 million for Ohio County Healthcare (OCH) Hospital Infrastructure Improvement Project. This federal funding will support critical infrastructure upgrades at Ohio County Healthcare, including replacing the roof of the main hospital in Hartford, restructuring patient care areas, and other equipment updates.

"Ohio County Healthcare is a vital resource for tens of thousands of residents who depend on it for quality medical care, and it provides important jobs and health benefits to many families in our region," said Senator McConnell. "These much-needed infrastructure improvements will ensure the hospital remains safe, reliable, and capable of delivering prompt emergency care when it's needed most."

"As a rural Critical Access Hospital, we are deeply committed to providing high-quality care to our neighbors-many of whom face economic hardship and limited access to essential health services," said Shellie Shouse, CEO of Ohio County Healthcare. "Senator McConnell's continued support of OCH is not just appreciated; it is vital. Without it, our ability to safeguard the health and well-being of our community would be severely compromised."

In addition to the federal funding wins, the FY 2026 Agriculture Appropriations Conference Report includes additional language and provisions advanced by Senator McConnell to benefit Kentucky and the broader national interest.

Closes the Intoxicating Hemp Loophole

• Includes language to close a loophole that has allowed the sale of unregulated intoxicating THC products to be manufactured and sold nationwide, while preserving non-intoxicating CBD and industrial hemp products. The measure locks in the original intent of the 2018 Farm Bill, which sought to create an agricultural hemp industry, not open the door to the sale of unregulated, intoxicating, hemp-derived substances with no safety framework. More info HERE.

Supports White Oak Forest Conservation

• Recognizes the ecological and economic importance of White Oak forests and encourages the Natural Resources Conservation Service to expand conservation efforts. This provision supports Kentucky's signature bourbon industry and builds on McConnell-backed legislation like the White Oak Resiliency Act.

Enhances Equine Health Research Funding

• Establishes a dedicated line item in the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) budget for equine health. Previously equine health was grouped with programs for deer, sheep, goats, and other similar animals. This new structure provides greater transparency and a stronger focus on equine-specific research.

Ensures Scientific Integrity in Alcohol Guidelines

• Directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and USDA to rely solely on findings from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) when updating alcohol consumption recommendations in the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This provision addresses concerns raised during the Biden administration that the DGA Committee might rely on biased sources. It ensures that any guidance is based on sound science and independent expert review.

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