The Other Side of Ag

the other side of ag

BY KATIE WARD, FARM CREDIT MARKETING SPECIALIST | THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY IS MORE DIVERSE TODAY THAN EVER BEFORE. STUDENTS ARE STUDYING FIELDS LIKE SCIENCE, EDUCATION, NUTRITION, ENGINEERING AND MARKETING—AND RELATING IT ALL BACK TO THE FARM. WITH AGRICULTURE BEING ONE OF OUR NATION’S MOST IMPORTANT AND EVER-CHANGING INDUSTRIES, THE CAREER POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS.

Today, farmers make up only two percent of America’s workforce. Though the number of traditional farmers may be smaller than it used to be, the support system around them is larger than ever. We’ve seen a growth in what we call the “other side of ag”—those who may not be driving a tractor or milking cows, but they work every day to advocate for agriculture and help the industry continue to thrive. This “other side” is comprised of teachers, economists, bloggers and engineers—just to name a few.

Recognizing this, the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement and its scholarship program was created in 2015 to ensure the future of agriculture remains strong and those looking to pursue a career on the farm (or off) can do so, with a little financial help from Farm Credit.

“Our scholarship program continues to grow each year with more opportunities for students pursuing a career in agriculture,” says Dale Hershey, Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement’s Chairman. “We received applications from more than 120 talented students last year. It made the selection process a tough one, but I

have no doubt the future of agriculture is in great hands.”

The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement’s scholarship program is giving away fifteen scholarships in 2019, each valued at $10,000. That’s a total of $150,000 for local ag students! This program is open to high school seniors or students currently enrolled in a two or four year educational program. All applicants must be planning to pursue a career in agriculture, and must reside in MidAtlantic Farm Credit’s five-state territory.

“The agriculture industry has a bright future ahead based on the passion of our current students,” adds Dale. “This Foundation was formed with the intent of ensuring the industry thrives for the future generations. As a farmer myself, that makes me immensely proud. I encourage all those eligible for this scholarship to apply. We’d love to help you pursue your dream of working in agriculture.”

Part of the application requirements include uploading a video illustrating why the applicant wants to pursue a career in agriculture, and how they hope to impact the industry.

“The video component allows applicants a way to visually demonstrate why ag is important to them and how they plan to make an impact on the industry,” says Dale. “The essay questions are equally important to allow them to touch on specific topics, but videos capture their passion better than any recommendation letter or transcript can.”

Applications are being accepted online only, now through January 11, 2019. Those selected to win will be notified in March 2019.

And remember, a career in agriculture can be on the farm with traditional farming and ranching, the “other side of ag,” or both! There are endless possibilities in this field—so what are you waiting for?

For more information about the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement’s scholarship program, or to apply, visit FCFoundationforAg.org. If you have any question, please email info@FCFoundationforAg.org, or call888.339.3334.

14 | VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 4 | mafc.com