“The greatest investment of all is in our youth,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “The next generation in agriculture is supported and encouraged through funding projects such as the Youth Agriculture Incentives Program sponsored by the Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund. Engaging 4-H youth in agriculture - an available, opportune and essential sector for growth - is critical to strengthening local food systems, feeding communities and providing gainful employment opportunities for the world’s booming youth population. 4-H youth participation in agriculture entails the engagement of youth in the sector through entrepreneurial activities and systems linked to the nation’s food system.   4-H Livestock volunteers and community agricultural leaders play a critical role helping our youth learn about and connect with the world around them.   The Kentucky Department of Agriculture encourages youth serving organizations like 4-H to incorporate agriculture concepts across core curriculum to develop educational opportunities for youth. KDA’s unique partnership with the Cooperative Extension System, and through land-grant universities - University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University - empowers young people to lead for a lifetime. 

The Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund provides cost-share opportunities for youth to start and operate income-producing projects of modest size in connection with their participation in 4-H and FFA. The cost-share project provides an opportunity for the young person to acquire experience and education in agriculture related skills and unlock countless career paths. When youth develop positive attitudes toward entrepreneurship in agriculture and gain first-hand experience, they are more likely to start their own businesses.   

Ohio County 4-H received $10,000 in cost-share funds for investment in local youth agriculture projects. Eight youth received $1000 each for their 4-H/FFA cost share projects. Five youth invested $14,916.58 in purchasing beef replacement heifers for their farms.  Two youth invested $4500 in their 4-H/FFA Market Hog projects which are exhibited at local County Fairs, KDA District Swine Shows, Kentucky State Fair, and the North American Livestock Exposition. One youth invested $4894.50 in their FFA SAE project starting a business selling corn to the community. The total youth investment in Ohio County Agriculture was $23,311.08. The Kentucky Youth Agriculture Incentives Program is a tremendous investment in Kentucky’s future to encourage investments and business decisions in agriculture at an early age while providing guidance through researched based education.