The Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP) is funded by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund.  The program encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.  Students must be enrolled in elementary, middle or high school including home schooled students.  Applicants must have parental consent and participate in a mentorship program with an agricultural organization.  

Since 2018,  the Webster County Agricultural Development Council has offered the Youth Agricultural Incentives Program.  The Webster County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) has worked closely with the county council to promote the program and serve as a mentor to the student participants.  The role of the mentor is to work with students in all aspects of their project and provide research-based educational opportunities to help them be successful.  As a direct result of this program, youth participants have started their own cattle operations and helped expand a KY Proud bakery business. 

The Webster County ANR agent collaborated with the Kentucky Beef Network Facilitator to work with Gracie Olson, a Webster County High School Student, to development and implement a herd health and recordkeeping program.  To date, Gracie has established a Veterinarian-Client relationship with a local veterinarian, implemented a vaccination program, keeps production records and markets and sells her calves in the Green River CPH sale.  Gracie is a junior member of the Webster County Cattlemen's Association.  She also serves as a student mentor to younger FFA and 4H members aspiring to begin their own cattle operations.  Plans are underway to focus on forage and nutrition improvement.