Farming starts with passion and, oftentimes, a deep connection to the land, but building a livelihood in agriculture takes more. As financial complexity in farming grows, and with fewer young people entering the industry, understanding credit, managing finances, and preparing for significant capital needs are not just beneficial—they are essential for success.
As a financial services cooperative, Farm Credit Mid-America’s commitment to securing the future of rural communities and agriculture® extends beyond lending into investing in the education and future of young and beginning farmers across our territory. Farm Credit Mid-America understands the future of agriculture is directly linked to empowering the next generation and equipping them with educational resources.
Sharing Financial Knowledge with Kentucky and Tennessee Youth
Farm Credit Mid-America consistently seeks innovative ways to weave financial education into the events and partnerships they support. Product and Sales Training Specialist Paige Mattingly recently delivered an insightful financial education presentation at the Kentucky FFA Convention. Associate Financial Officer, Shaylyn Webb, provided financial education to high schoolers through work with Thelma’s Garden in Fayette County, KY.
In 2024, the customer owned cooperative participated in the inaugural Future Farmers Conference hosted by FFA. This unique event brought together 30 FFA members from across Tennessee, offering them an opportunity to visit diverse farms and engage in workshops specifically designed to prepare them for their futures in production agriculture.
“It’s inspiring to see these FFA members’ passion and dedication,” Farm Credit Mid-America Regional Vice President of Agriculture Lending, Scott Holmes, said. “By providing them with the necessary resources and knowledge, we’re investing in the future of agriculture and its continued success.”
Developing the Next Generation of Agriculture Leaders Through the College Scholars Program
One of Farm Credit Mid-America’s signature initiatives, the College Scholars program, is designed to offer financial assistance and practical training to the next generation of agricultural leaders. If selected, rising college sophomores and juniors are awarded $5,000 in financial support over two years along with an immersive learning experience.
For each cohort, the cooperative conducts a financial literacy workshop, crafted to equip scholars for financial success as they pursue agricultural passions post-graduation.
“We all joke about how you don’t learn certain life lessons in school, like how to do your taxes or save for retirement, but this program taught us those valuable skills,” said Katie McCord, a 2024 College Scholar. “It meant a lot that Farm Credit Mid-America taught us how to achieve our financial goals.”
Educating Future Urban Farmers with Rid-All Green Partnership
In partnership with Black Soil KY, Rid-All Green Partnership hosted an intensive three-day workshop aimed at educating farmers from Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio on scaling urban agriculture. Farm Credit Mid-America supported the workshop and led a vital session titled, “Lender 101 and the Role of Credit in Agriculture.”
“It’s so important to increase financial knowledge and enhance the operational efficiency of our farmers and producers through education, mentorship and resources,” shared Farm Credit Mid-America Customer Resource Manager, Marcus Tyler. “We know obtaining capital is critical for growing an operation, but farmers and producers must first acknowledge their capital position in order to shape their definition of success.”
Young and beginning farmers need to understand how to fund their future. While the next generation of agricultural leaders is eager to get started, developing a foundation of how to get access to and manage capital for a farming operation is a significant hurdle for many. That’s where Farm Credit Mid-America starts—by teaching first and lending second.
Learn more about how Farm Credit Mid-America is investing in local communities.
