As one of the largest employing industries, Agriculture is the back bone to the local economy in Adair County.  It’s history and productive land make Adair County an ideal agriculture hotspot for years to come.  The Adair County Cooperative Extension Service works alongside multiple organizations to educate and develop the future farmers and leaders of Adair County.   

Since 2017, $109,850 of county agriculture development funds have been invested in the Youth Agriculture Incentive program by the Adair County Agriculture Development Council and Adair County Cattlemen’s Association.  The Adair County Cooperative Extension Service has provided multiple roles in this program including facilitation, providing mentorships, and educational programs to the youth participants.  

To date, 207 youth have been approved for funding through the YAIP program.  76% or 154 of those youth have completed a project.  Projects have ranged from youth purchasing livestock to start their own herd to investments in horticulture enterprises.