10/26/2026
2026 Youth Agricultural Incentive Program (YAIP) was developed to facilitate a growing need for a specialized program that would encourage youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.
Student Eligibility
Applicant shall be enrolled in elementary, middle, or high school, this includes home schooled students.
Applicant shall be at least 9 years of age by December 31, 2026
Age is based on 4-H program entry age. Program is not available for the Clover Bud age group of 4-8 years
County residency is not a requirement, but must be enrolled in Ohio County Schools.
Home school students must live in the county.
Applicant shall provide their individual Social Security Number (SSN).
Applicant shall have parental consent if under the age of 18. (See
Mentorship is required from one of the following types of organizations:
4-H Leader or Extension Agent’
FFA Leader or School Ag Teacher
Other Agricultural Organization’
Mentors shall be willing to provide consultation or assistance for the length of the program.
Youth may select up to 2 agriculture project investment area.
Agricultural Diversification Includes: Greenhouse, Horticulture, Hydroponics & Aquaponics,
Technology-Computer Software, Value-Added Marketing, Wildlife Management;
Animal Production includes: Beef, Dairy, Equine, Goat, Sheep, Rabbit, Swine, Poultry, Bees, Livestock Barn;
Forage Improvement includes: Seeding (based on 2025 CAIP approved seed list, soil test required)
Showmanship includes: Beef, Dairy, Equine, Goat, Sheep, Rabbit, Swine, Poultry;
Country Ham Project includes: Ham purchase, Project supplies, Cost of participation in 4-H Country ham Project.
Guidelines for Funding
Cost Share funding for all projects shall not exceed $1000 per youth.
Reimbursements shall not exceed 50% of the total project cost for all eligible expenses.
Projects must be complete with all requirements met before funds can be disbursed.
No Cash receipts accepted. Bank/Credit Card Statements required to be reimbursed. Accepted receipts must be dated between March 29, 2026 to April 9, 2027.
All investments are for the individual youth and shall not be a part of a larger school, organization or family operation.
For more information and additional guidelines see the 2025 Student Application available at the Ohio County Extension Office located at 1337 Clay Street Hartford.
YAIP application & implementation timeline.
YAIP Applications will be Available for pick-up on Friday, November 2, 2026, at the Ohio County Extension Office located at 1337 Clay Street Hartford Kentucky. YAIP Applications must be completed and returned to the Extension Office no later than 12:00 pm (noon) on Friday December 11, 2026.
YAIP Application paperwork must be submitted to the Ohio County Extension Office located at 1337 Clay Street Hartford by the absolute deadline of 12:00 pm on Friday December 11, 2026 for consideration of cost share funds.
For complete guidelines, program application, and questions concerning this program, contact the Ohio County Cooperative Extension Service at 270- 298-7441 or Gary Druin, 4-H Youth Development Education – [email protected]
