According to the USDA State Agriculture Overview in 2017, the number of farm operations in Kentucky is 75,800. Considering this large number, further research shows that in 2017 Rowan County farms include not only livestock operations but crops as well. With this in mind, the youth in the county needed an opportunity to grow their knowledge and skills in all aspects of agriculture. In the spring of 2018, an agriculture committee met, including 4-H and Agriculture Extension Agents, FFA advisor, Morehead State University Farm Manager, and Rowan County Extension District Board, which decided that it was necessary to apply for the Youth Agricultural Incentives Program through the local Ag Development Council whom received funding from The Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund within the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy. The Rowan County Extension District Board took on the application and processing of funds for the program. The application requested $20,000 for the 2018 year to benefit youth in Rowan County interested in learning more about agriculture. 

After approval for $20,000, applications and guidelines were shared to all youth involved in agricultural educational programming with 4-H and FFA as well as being advertised in the local newspaper. Applications were accepted through March 2018. A total of 24 applications were reviewed and approved by the YAIP committee for a cost share of 50/50 up to $1,600. Investment areas that youth participated in included small animal, large animal, fencing and on-farm water. To date a total of $9,717.72 has been dispersed to youth in Rowan County that gained knowledge and experience in agriculture through educational programming projects. The deadline to complete all projects is February 6, 2019. This program has been beneficial to the youth in the county and is being considered for the future.