Farm Credit hands out grants to agricultural youth groups

The Foundation has increased its support for programs focused on young and beginning farmers and ranchers by nearly seven-fold since 1998. "We started small and continually have built our foundation giving by developing great working partnerships with some very effective organizations," Hays added. "With our support, our grantees can expand the reach of their current programs and launch new efforts."

The 2003 grants include $40,000 in new support for programs through the National Young Farmer Education Association (NYFEA), $20,000 for programs of the Agriculture Future of America organization, and $60,000 for the Farm Safety Day Camp Program of the Progressive Agriculture Foundation.

In supporting two new efforts of the National Young Farmer Education Association, the Foundation will be the leading sponsor of the Ag Decision Makers College, Collaborative Partner, and the Local Emphasis Agricultural Development programs. In one phase of these programs, young farmers are exposed to a series of agricultural issues and work together to develop position papers. "We strive to have young farmers achieve personal and professional growth through our programs," says Gordon Stone, NYFEA executive vice president. "With the support provided by the Farm Credit System Foundation, we hope to achieve an exponential growth in our development programs."

K. Russell Weathers, president and CEO of Agriculture Future of America stated, "AFA appreciates our partnership with the Farm Credit System Foundation. With the Farm Credit System Foundation's grant of $20,000, they are investing in our nation's future agri-leadership." AFA conducts leadership development and other education programs, and internships for current and recently graduated students involved in agriculture.

The Farm Safety Day camps focus on teaching young people how to avoid injuries on the farm. With farming being one of the most hazardous occupations in the country, getting youth to understand early on how to avoid injury can go a long way to reducing accident rates. Nearly 70,000 children in rural areas participate in these camps. The Farm Credit System Foundation is one of the lead sponsors for the program.

"These grants have been made possible through contributions made by the institutions of the Farm Credit System institutions and by over 1,000 individuals affiliated with Farm Credit," Hays said. "It demonstrates their commitment to America's rural youth and the future of farming and ranching in America.

The Farm Credit System Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization organized to assist young, beginning and small farmers to be successful by supporting educational and research activities. The Farm Credit System is rural America's customer-owned partner providing credit, related services, and programs to farmers, ranchers, cooperatives and others in rural America including young, beginning, and small producers. The Farm Credit System Foundation is an extension of this partnership with a national focus. For more information visit www.fcsfoundation.org.