Meet the Future of Agriculture

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One of the most important ways we invest in the future of agriculture is by investing in people — and in particular the students who will become tomorrow’s ag industry leaders.

Each year, more than 100 students receive scholarships from Farm Credit Mid-America. They demonstrate strong academics, leadership, community involvement and vision. Programs include scholarships awarded to children and grandchildren of customers and students affiliated with university partners.
 
We’re also excited to introduce Farm Credit’s new College Leaders Scholarship Program which combines two-year scholarships with week-long experiences in leadership development and financial education. Below is the first class of College Leaders Scholarship recipients.
 
To learn more about our scholarship programs and apply for a 2018 scholarship, please visit our Scholarship Page.

Andrew Shea
The Ohio State University
Andrew is well on his way to a career in corporate responsibility. He is already working with Net Impact, a sustainability organization helping create a slow-drip irrigation system for farmers in the developing world.
Ben Hornback
Murray State University
Ben has his sights set on a career as an agricultural economist with the USDA. To get there, his plan is to get his Master’s in ag economics while working with faculty members at the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institution.
Ben Pinkston
University of Kentucky
After Ben completes his undergraduate work in agricultural economics and sustainable agriculture, he plans to go to seminary, so that he can feed people around the world both physically and spiritually.
Caitlin Ross
University of Kentucky
Caitlin’s career goal is to become an agriculture educator, so she can help dispel some of the negative misperceptions of the industry.
Caleb Brannon
Murray State University
Caleb has been active on his school’s Agricultural Leadership Council, helping to organize activities including Fall on the Farm, Agriculture Appreciation Week and service projects for area children.
Carlee Stewart
The Ohio State University
Someday, Carlee hopes to serve her country and the industry as the Secretary of Agriculture. The path she’s plotted to that goal will take her through ag policy work and a nonprofit start-up that will educate consumers about food and agriculture.
Chelsea Sanders
Tennessee Tech University
Chelsea is studying agricultural communications, and that is where she plans to make her mark as a new kind of leader - listening to understand, rather than listening to respond.
Christine Charles
Purdue University
Christine’s interest in agriculture grew out of her early interest in science. She’s majoring in agronomy with a specialty in water and soil so she can help producers get the most out of the resources around them. 
Erica Rogers
University of Kentucky
Although Erica believes her career path will take her off the farm, she plans to continue to work for the good of the industry, whether she works in policy, sales or communications.
Fabian Leon
University of Kentucky
Fabian’s future is as a farmer, scientist and agricultural advocate. He plans to combine his passion for farming with his calling to help others through scientific research and extension outreach.
Grant Knobloch
Purdue University
Grant has been an entrepreneur since the age of 11, when he and his siblings founded a swine breeding business. In college, he has leapt at opportunities to serve others, including rebuilding homes damaged by fire and flooding.
Joshua Calhoun
Purdue University
Joshua created the Adopt an Ag Class program, linking his fellow Purdue students with high school classes by Skype as student teachers. He hopes to bring his passion for ag education to other countries someday.
Justin Young
Middle Tennessee State University
Justin’s goal is to help people who aren’t involved in agriculture to understand its importance. He plans to pursue his master’s in agriculture leadership.
Kathleen Jacobs
Purdue University
After she graduates with her degree in agricultural economics, Kathleen hopes to head to law school. She’s not leaving the industry, however. She plans to continue serving agriculture through her work, pro bono work and volunteering
Kevin Robinson
University of Tennessee-Martin
Kevin’s goal is to head to Washington, D.C., to lobby for fair commodity trading prices, easily accessible subsidies and better infrastructure to ensure the growth of our nation’s most important industry.
 
Mary Buehler
The Ohio State University
Mary is currently serving as the Ohio FFA president. She’s planning a career in agricultural education so she can inspire and equip the next generation to keep agriculture on the cutting edge.
Natalie Miller
The Ohio State University
Natalie is already working part time as a grain originator at an elevator in Ohio and plans to put her degree in agribusiness and applied economics to work, helping crop producers manage risk after graduation.
Nathan Blume
Purdue University
Nathan is currently the state treasurer of the Indiana FFA. He plans to pursue his master’s in agricultural economics after he graduates with his bachelor’s in agronomy and agricultural economics.
Rachel Elrod
Middle Tennessee State University
Rachel’s next step after her degree in agricultural business is law school, so that she can serve the industry as an agricultural lawyer.
William Singer
University of Tennessee-Martin
With his double major in agricultural production and business administration, William plans to find a career in which he can apply his scientific knowledge and his understanding of the business world to advocate for agriculture.
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