Supporting Agriculture's Next Generation
Farm Credit proudly supports the next generation of leaders as they develop industry expertise, leadership competencies and advocacy skills.
Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders.
Farm Credit is dedicated to cultivating young leaders to help prepare them for successful careers in the agricultural sector.
Farm Credit understands the value in fostering our youth who will become the future’s farmers, ranchers and agribusiness leaders, but also change-makers. We proudly support a variety of organizations focused on this mission, including:
Agriculture Future of America (AFA)
Agriculture Future of America fosters professionalism, entrepreneurialism and intellectualism in college students to shape transformational leaders in food and agriculture to make a positive impact.
As part of Farm Credit’s multi-pronged support, we sponsor AFA’s Leaders’ Institute, a career skills workshop and networking event for students interested in agribusiness careers as well as AFA’s Policy Institute, which teaches future industry leaders advocacy skills.
“Attending AFA Leaders Conference has been one of the best experiences of my career. I am so immensely grateful to AFA and their partners for giving me this opportunity to attend.” – Alexis C.
FFA
With chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, FFA is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares through agricultural education.
Farm Credit’s support of FFA provides members across the country the opportunity to participate in a “Supervised Agricultural Experience.” These hands-on learning opportunities provide students the chance to put what they have learned in the classroom and through leadership training into practice for a holistic experience.
“I would like to thank you so much for sponsoring my SAE! I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and I am very excited to start my SAE of installing electricity in my horse barn. Your support means a lot to me; I greatly appreciate your generosity and I know my horses will too.” – McKenna C.
Holstein Foundation
The Holstein Foundation’s mission is to promote and support the development of the dairy industry by providing educational opportunities, leadership development, and outreach programs for youth and young adults involved in dairy cattle across the country.
Farm Credit is proud to sponsor the Holstein Foundation’s Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI), a premier leadership program designed for young dairy producers and professionals ages 22-45. This intensive, year-long program consists of three phases and equips participants with the skills needed to effectively communicate with consumers about the benefits of dairy and modern livestock production. Participants engage in hands-on training, network with industry leaders, and develop strategies for advocating on behalf of the dairy industry.
“Phase 1 was a great opportunity to learn how to be an effective leader and communicator in the dairy industry. I truly enjoyed connecting with other individuals who are equally as passionate about the dairy industry. I also enjoyed learning from the various speakers at the event. I have already been implementing these skills taught in my professional and personal life. Thank you for your investment in myself and classmates as we work to give back to the dairy industry.” – Matti M.
Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative
The mission of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative is to enhance the health and wellness of tribal communities by advancing healthy food systems, diversified economic development, and cultural food traditions.
Farm Credit is a proud sponsor of the Initiative’s Youth Summit, a week-long program allowing participants to dive into their interests and develop real-world solutions highlighted through a capstone project. Throughout the program, participants have the opportunity to tour Tribal agricultural operations, interface with other youth and industry professionals, participate in an Indigenous cooking demonstration and more.
Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS)
Founded in 1982, MANRRS works to promote academic and professional advancement by empowering minorities in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences. Levels of MANRRS membership include Junior, Collegiate, Professional, and Corporate members.
Farm Credit is proud to annually sponsor the MANRRS’ National Conference at the Titanium Level. Additionally, Farm Credit sponsors 30 VIP Scholars to participate in the convention each year. Farm Credit provides a full day of programming for the selected students which focuses on individual leadership skills, interview preparation and networking.
“It was a privilege to be a Farm Credit Scholar at the MANRRS 38 Conference. This experience was unforgettable, and I will forever be grateful. Being in a room with future and current leaders of agriculture was empowering.” – Juan J.
National 4-H
4-H is an organization that recognizes every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. With a presence in every county and parish in the country, 4-H has reached over six million young people in its more than 100 year history.
Farm Credit sponsors the annual National 4-H Forestry Invitational. Each year since 1980, students from across the country descend on Weston, WV to develop an appreciation for the importance of conserving forestland as a source of products, benefits, and services necessary for quality living. Farm Credit’s support covers the cost of room and board for attendees, ensuring all are given an opportunity to compete.
National Ag in the Classroom
National Ag in the Classroom is an organization supporting teachers as they integrate agricultural concepts into standard academic subjects with the goal of increasing awareness, knowledge and appreciation for agriculture among students in grades K-12.
Farm Credit sponsors the organizations’ “Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award,” recognizing teachers who effectively implement innovative agriculture concepts into their curriculum. Read more here.
North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge
The mission of the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge is to develop tomorrow’s dairy industry leaders to foster a sustainable future by providing educational, professional growth, and networking opportunities for students, dairy producers, agribusiness, and academic personnel.
Farm Credit is the premier sponsor for this series of competitions and not only provides financial support, but helps provide the volunteers and mentors necessary to keep the program operating.
“Thank you so much for supporting the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge! My team and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience at this week’s competition. We thank you for all that you do to support the rising leaders of the nation’s dairy industry.” – Morgan S.
Progressive Agriculture Foundation
The Progressive Agriculture Foundation secures funding for the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day program, which is recognized as the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America.
Throughout the years, Farm Credit’s support has been crucial in helping the program reach over two million students across 45 states and two territories since 1995, providing education, training, and resources to make farms, ranches, and rural life safer and healthier for children and their communities.
