- Jacob Ball leverages his background as a nationally recognized agriculture educator to connect young entrepreneurs with AgTech opportunities.
- Bluegrass AgTech has awarded grants to seven innovative companies spanning hemp-based flooring, equine ID technology, bio-insecticides, veterinary diagnostics, plant genetics, biodegradable plastics, and biofuels.
- Ball emphasizes pursuing a mix of public and private funding sources (federal/state grants, corporate partnerships, venture capital).
- Ball’s leadership represents both personal passion and strategic direction at a time of growth — balancing his professional role with new personal milestones.
Lexington, Kentucky – September 8, 2025 – The Bluegrass AgTech Development Corporation (BADC), a partnership between the City of Lexington, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, and Alltech, proudly announces the appointment of Jacob Ball as Executive Director.
In a recent interview on WEKU’s Eastern Standard, Ball shared his vision for positioning Central Kentucky as a national hub for agricultural technology and innovation.
“Education is a starting point for economic and workforce development,” Ball said. “Our goal is to connect young entrepreneurs, startups, and established ag companies into a thriving ecosystem. The sooner we can get new talent involved, the stronger our agricultural and economic future will be.”
Background and Expertise
Ball, a National Board-Certified Teacher and recipient of the Milken Educator Award, brings more than a decade of experience in agriculture education and workforce development. He has been recognized nationally as an FFA Teacher Ambassador and Agri-Science Ambassador, highlighting his longstanding commitment to cultivating leadership and innovation in agriculture.
Driving Innovation Through Challenge Grants
BADC recently awarded challenge grants to seven pioneering companies representing the diversity of the AgTech sector. Awardees include:
- Hempwood (hemp-based flooring and oak alternatives)
- Iristrac (equine identification via eye scanning)
- Lepidex (bio-insecticides using moths)
- Parasite System (fecal count diagnostics for veterinary clinics)
- Redleaf Biologics (plant genetics for food dyes and health products)
- Spirited Biomaterials (biodegradable plastic substitutes)
- Sunflower Fuels (bio-based feedstocks for energy and refining)
“These companies show the breadth of AgTech—spanning equine science, biomaterials, bioenergy, and more,” Ball explained. “AgTech careers aren’t just about farming. They touch every sector of our economy.”
Future Growth and Investment
Looking ahead, Ball and BADC are pursuing additional investment from state and federal programs, corporate partnerships, and venture capital. Ball emphasized the importance of reinvestment, encouraging successful startups to “pay it forward” to strengthen the ecosystem for future innovators.
“Capital is difficult to raise, but with strong partnerships and reinvestment from our successful companies, we can make Kentucky a model for AgTech innovation,” Ball said.
About Bluegrass AgTech Development Corporation
The Bluegrass AgTech Development Corporation is a public-private partnership dedicated to advancing innovation in agriculture. By providing resources, funding, and connections, BADC works to position Central Kentucky as a leader in agricultural technology, supporting entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses across diverse sectors.
Media Resources
Recorded Interview Link: https://esweku.org/track/4415273/august-21-2025_jacob-ball
Image Link 1: https://bluegrassagtech.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cropped-Bluegrass-AgTech-logo-RGB-2048×449.png
Caption: Bluegrass AgTech Development Corporation’s official logo
