Strong communities are built by people who know what their neighbors need and are willing to help. Throughout the first half of 2026, Farm Credit Mid-America team members helped direct local community investments toward practical projects that support learning, connection and opportunity across the communities they serve.
As a customer-owned cooperative, giving back is part of how Farm Credit Mid-America works to secure the future of rural communities and agriculture® and drives every decision made at both the larger Association and local levels. Through the Association’s Local Community Investment Committees across Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee, specialized focus and decisions put that commitment into action. While the investments may look different from one community to the next, they share a common purpose: helping local organizations move good work forward.
Showcased through a shared commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders, creating positive lasting change in communities across their territory and building an equitable space for all to participate in American agriculture, the customer-owned cooperative is helping strengthen rural communities and build a stronger agricultural industry.
Opening Doors for Young People
From January to June 2026, many investments helped young people learn new and practical skills, build confidence and take part in experiences close to home. Support reached school programs, educational events, youth agriculture activities and other hands-on opportunities.
Youth
Championing youth in agriculture develop their own unique talents and explore interests in a broad range of agricultural career pathways.
Collegiate
Helping guide, train, resource and prepare today’s students to be tomorrow’s innovators in food sciences, production agriculture, security, safety and more.
Young & Beginning Farmers
Equipping the next generation of farmers with the production agriculture resources and financial skills they need to find success and passion in the industry.
In northeast Ohio, funding supported a mushroom lab, small orchard and accessible garden space through the Malabar Ag Tech Program. In Middle Tennessee, local investments helped provide school supplies across several counties and supported substitutes for a Farm Day program in Maury County.
When asked about specific impact on the Malabar Ag Tech Program in Ohio, Jennifer Yates, financial relationship coordinator and Local Community Investment Committee member shared, “the ag and culinary teachers at the school were so thankful and grateful for the funds that we were able to provide, allowing them to complete their to do list.” She continued, “our committee is so excited to see the progress of the program and our impact come fall.”
These efforts meet young people where they are. They create room to explore an interest, learn a practical skill or see a future for themselves in agriculture and their community.
Strengthening the Places that Bring People Together
Other investments focused on the spaces and organizations that help rural and agricultural communities stay connected. Support included expansion of agricultural education programs in Kentucky, barn improvements across Ohio and a camera purchase and installation for Love Grows Love in northeast Ohio. Local giving also supported community celebrations, educational gatherings and facilities that serve rural residents throughout the year.
Hunger Initiatives
Supporting initiatives in our communities that work to eliminate food insecurity and showcase the value of American agriculture in our nation’s food system.
Industry Partnerships
Partnering with organizations dedicated to propelling the agriculture industry forward and sustaining the rural way of life.
Giving Back
Dedicating hours and dollars to the communities in which we live and work to secure a brighter future for generations to come.
A stronger community does not come from one project alone. It grows when local organizations have the resources to keep showing up for the people they serve. Investing in rural American community initiatives that preserve and promote the way of life of rural and farm families.
Bringing Knowledge and Resources Closer to Home
Across Tennessee, Local Community Investment Committees supported agriculture education, cattle and livestock meetings, conservation programs and field-based learning. Investments spanned the Athens Beef Summit, soil and water conservation efforts and educational programs designed around the needs of local producers and residents.
Education is one of the most powerful investments we can make in rural communities. When people have opportunities to learn, connect and share ideas, they’re better equipped to strengthen their operations to build a stronger future.
This kind of support reflects the value of local knowledge. Since many Farm Credit Mid-America team members live and work in the same communities as their customers, they understand that a useful investment starts with listening, then supporting the people and organizations already doing the work.
A Cooperative Commitment in Action
Together, these investments show what cooperative care for community can look like at the local level. One school program, gathering place or educational opportunity at a time, Farm Credit Mid-America is helping communities build on what makes them strong.
Whether it be from the rice and cotton fields of Arkansas, the rolling hills of Tennessee or the expansive plains of Ohio, team members are showcasing their commitment to securing the future of rural communities and agriculture®; one program, one partnership and one moment at a time.
Learn more about how our team is investing in the rural communities and agricultural residents we serve across our territory.
