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Kentucky’s iconic bourbon industry is embarking on an ambitious $2.8 million initiative to promote sustainable and regenerative farming practices among local corn growers. Four leading spirits companies – Brown-Forman, Diageo North America, Heaven Hill Brands, and Suntory Global Spirits – have joined forces with the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) and Precision Conservation Management (PCM) to support this five-year program.The initiative aims to equip corn farmers with the tools and resources needed to adopt regenerative growing methods. By 2025, additional conservation specialists will be hired to provide hands-on education and guidance to farmers, helping them implement proven practices that enhance soil health, biodiversity, and long-term resilience.

“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.