According to the USDA State Agriculture Overview in 2017, the number of farm operations in Kentucky is 75,800.  With considering this large number, further research shows that in 2017 Owen County farms include not only livestock operations, but crops such as corn, hay and tobacco as well.  With this in mind, the youth in the county needed an opportunity to grow in their knowledge and skills in all aspects of agriculture.  In the spring of 2018, an agriculture committee met together, including 4-H and FFA educators as well as other community leaders in agriculture, which decided that it was necessary to apply for the Youth Agricultural Incentives Program through The Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund within the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy.  The Owen County 4-H Council took on the application and processing of funds for this program.  The application requested $15,000 for the 2018 year to benefit youth in Owen County interested in learning more about agriculture.  In 2018, total funds in the amount of $428,197 had been directed toward YAIP in Kentucky.  

After approval for $15,000, applications and guidelines were sent to all youth involved in agricultural educational programming in Owen County as well as being advertised in the 4-H Newsletter and through the Cooperative Extension Service.  Applications were accepted through October 26, 2018.  A total of 12 applications were reviewed and approved by the Agriculture Committee for a cost share of 50/50 up to $1,500.   Investment areas that youth participated in included small animal, large animal, and fencing and on-farm water with the total of $12,866.18 dispersed to youth in Owen County that gained knowledge and experience in agriculture through educational programming projects.  This program has been a success in Owen County and will be considered for future youth interested in agriculture.