PROVIDING FOR AGRICULTURE'S FUTURE

By Charles Wright IV, Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement Chairman

With the United States Department of Agriculture estimating nearly 60,000 job openings in agriculture every year, it’s important that our youth understand the many diverse opportunities available in the industry and the impact these jobs can make on the community. Reflecting on the holiday season being a special time to give, I truly believe that giving students the knowledge and resources to pursue a career in this ever-changing field is invaluable.

I’ve seen a tremendous growth in what we call the “other side of ag” – those who may not be driving a tractor or milking cows, but working every day to advocate for agriculture and help the industry continue to thrive. These students may be planning to become a veterinarian, agriculture teacher, soil scientist, food nutritionist, or even an ag loan officer – and they will all help shape the future of food, fuel and fiber production in our world. The technology industry has particularly expanded into agriculture quickly the past few years, and we foresee it continuing to grow and providing even more jobs in the future through careers in precision ag and bioengineering, to name a few.

As a farmer and a parent myself, my wife and I have had the honor of teaching our children about agriculture and watching them learn and choose career paths both on and off of our family farm. We have realized that youth are more inspired to pursue careers on the other side of ag after being exposed to the possibilities offered, which often times doesn’t happen until they can attend higher education after high school.

Understanding that this can be a challenge to many, the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement is awarding ten $10,000 scholarships to students pursuing a career in agriculture in 2022. All applicants must reside within MidAtlantic Farm Credit’s territory or Washington D.C and be a high school senior or a student currently enrolled in a two or four year educational program. Applications are accepted online only, now through January 7, 2022.

To learn more about the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement and to apply for a scholarship, visit FCFoundationForAg.org or follow us on social media at the #OtherSideOfAg.