“With much of our distillers’ corn being produced in Kentucky, we recognize the massive impact that Bourbon has on the state’s agricultural climate,” said Eric Gregory, President of the KDA. “As these four distilleries unite to support regenerative corn-growing practices, we look forward to empowering our local farmers without compromising their bottom line.”
The initiative aligns with a growing global trend among major food and beverage producers recognizing the economic, environmental, and nutritional advantages of nurturing soil health and biodiversity. Leading bourbon brands like Maker’s Mark and Woodford Reserve have already pioneered the shift toward regeneratively farmed grains.
Through personalized consultations and data-driven recommendations from PCM’s experts, farmers will receive tailored guidance on implementing conservation practices profitably. This includes benchmarking individual farm financials against regional datasets and providing incentives for adopting techniques like reduced tillage, cover crops, and optimized nitrogen use efficiency.
“Our specialists work hand-in-hand with farmers to identify opportunities to improve the health of their farmland and success of their operation,” said Greg Goodwin, Director of PCM. “We are grateful for our partnership with the KDA and Kentucky distilleries as we make these great ideas a reality by supporting our farmers in effective, regenerative practices – a win-win for our industries.”
The collaborative effort aims to foster a more sustainable and resilient agricultural community in Kentucky, safeguarding the future of bourbon production while promoting environmental stewardship and economic viability for local corn growers.