Last week’s National FFA Convention drew nearly 73,000 FFA members, advisors, and supporters to Indianapolis, generating an estimated $42 million in local economic impact. Inside the expo hall, agricultural companies and universities seized the chance to connect directly with the future of the industry.
For Farm Credit Mid-America, engaging with students at major events fits squarely into its core mission.
“At Farm Credit Mid-America, our purpose is to secure the future of rural communities and agriculture,” says Hannah Walker, Community Investment Manager at Farm Credit Mid-America. “And we believe that FFA members are that future for agriculture. And so any opportunity we get to partner with youth, whether that’s through events at the state fair or here at National FFA Convention, we want to be a part of that and equipping them with what they need for their futures.”
A claw machine filled with prizes served as the main draw at the Farm Credit booth, sparking conversations with students about their agricultural projects and future career ambitions.
“Students talked about everything from their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) to what they’re learning in the classroom, and the things that they’re thinking about ahead—whether that’s their college career or going straight into the workforce,” Walker says. “These kids are so talented and so knowledgeable, and just hearing about their experiences through FFA at convention is so rewarding.”
With October recognized as National Co-op Month, Walker also highlighted how the cooperative model guides Farm Credit’s investment back into agricultural communities.
“One of the pillars of a cooperative is concern for community,” Walker notes. “Showing up in spaces where FFA members are so that they know that Farm Credit Mid-America is always going to be a support for them in whatever endeavor they choose within the agriculture space, I think is so important. Getting in front of them at this time in their lives, that they know that Farm Credit Mid-America is going to show up for them and their community.”
In addition to networking with students, the cooperative shared resources for beginning and small-scale operations. Programs like Farm Credit’s Growing Forward provide tailored underwriting, financial training, and credit access for young, beginning, and small-scale producers who might otherwise face hurdles with traditional commercial lenders.
Producers and students can learn more about young and beginning farmer financing tools at e-farmcredit.com.
