The involvement of youth in agriculture is vital to the existence and future growth of our industry. Many that want to experience agriculture do not have funds to get started with the purchase of plants, equipment, livestock or facilities. Local leaders serving on the Madison County Ag Development Council recognized this need and have allocated $30,000 of county tobacco settlement funds to a program offered through the KY Office of Ag Policy called Youth Agriculture Incentives Program (YAIP).

This program provides youth ages 9-18 the opportunity to purchase a wide variety of agricultural items and receive cost share reimbursement on a 50/50 basis up to $1,500. With Madison County Farm Bureau serving as administrator, the Madison County ANR and 4H livestock agents coordinated this program for the first time. Educational and mentor requirements were facilitated by local leaders, FFA advisors, and Madison County agents. The ANR agent provided leadership for the entire program and was responsible for advertising, reporting, compliance and accountability.

Overall, there were 22 youth that applied for funding. Projects ranged from replacement heifers, fruit trees, beef cattle, sheep, goats, chicken supplies, feeder calves, horse riding/training ring, show heifers, cattle handling equipment, and a greenhouse. The total cost of all projects combined was $42,670.47 with a $2,370.58 per average. County YAIP funds awarded totaled $18,326.37 or an average of 1,018.13 per project. The youth contribution was $24,344.10.

Our first year offering YAIP was a success and we have been able to provide 18 Madison County youth the opportunity to become directly involved in agriculture. Plans are being made for YAIP 2023 and possibly more county funds being allocated to this program with the hope that additional youth will have opportunities to participate in an agriculture endeavors next year.