The future of agriculture relies on the support of and investment in youth across America. Recognizing this, Farm Credit Mid-America has supported state FFA organizations for more than 30 years to develop the next generation of agricultural leaders.
This collaboration is built on shared values and a commitment to securing the future of rural communities and agriculture.® For many Farm Credit Mid-America team members, this purpose is a personal one.
“Many of us were FFA members and continue to support the organization today as volunteers and through our own children,” shared Jonathan West, a financial officer for Farm Credit Mid-America. “Together, we’re building a dynamic future for agriculture.”
By the Numbers
The customer-owned cooperative’s investment provides financial and educational resources to FFA members across Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee. In 2025:
Funding State-Level Innovation
While Association-wide funding provides a broad foundation, Farm Credit Mid-America’s commitment also extends to targeted initiatives designed to support state specific goals.
Leadership Development
Major investments focus on developing the next generation of agricultural leaders, expanding state officer development programs across Indiana and Kentucky and launching the Tennessee Star Tour to highlight top-tier student achievements.
Educator Recognition
In Ohio, investments are channeled directly into the educators who guide students, championing excellence through the Golden Owl Teacher Award and expanding inclusive teaching practices via the I.D.E.A. Teacher Training program.
Scholarships and Degrees
By securing the State Degree programs across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, the Association delivers vital, direct support to elevate student achievement and honor the region’s rising leaders.
Kentucky Shark Tank
This standout program accelerates student-led business ventures by providing critical seed funding. At the State FFA Convention, young entrepreneurs face a panel of “sharks,” pitching their business plans to secure the capital needed to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
Investing in Local Communities
Farm Credit Mid-America’s commitment is most visible at the local chapter level, where targeted grants meet local needs.
Paoli FFA’s Innovative Program
At Paoli Jr. & Sr. High School in Southern Indiana, the agriculture program has transformed into a multi-disciplinary hub. Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1st® helped the school build an on-property livestock barn.
Students use an app to monitor the livestock born in the barn 24/7 via cameras. In addition to the barn, their innovative hydroponics lab produces 50 pounds of lettuce weekly for the school cafeteria. The program provides hands-on experience to 185 students, 95% of whom do not have the space to raise animals at home, helping to prepare the next generation of agriculture leaders. Read the full story here.
2026 Local Community Investment Grants
Already in 2026, Farm Credit Mid-America is putting investment funds to work at the local level. These first quarter investments represent just the beginning of the Association’s 2026 commitment to grassroots agricultural education.
- Leestown, KY: Funding empowers students to take the lead in fighting local hunger, providing the necessary backing to organize, manage and execute a community-wide food drive.
- Spencer County, KY: Resources are dedicated to enriching horticulture education, providing the necessary greenhouse supplies to cultivate practical, hands-on skills for students.
- Carrollton, OH: Local investment dollars support annual event to empower FFA members and instructors through insights into emerging technologies and array of careers across the agricultural industry careers.
- Marion County, TN: Funding strengthens local roots, providing the foundational backing needed to expand chapter outreach, connect with the community and welcome new members into the program.
- Sneedville, TN: Resources are allocated to support hands-on learning and academic competition, offsetting travel expenses for the Soil Judging Team as they represent the program and test their skills in the field.
By investing in these local programs, Farm Credit Mid-America ensures that the entrepreneurial spirit and leadership potential of youth across their territory remain the agricultural industry’s greatest assets.
Learn more about Farm Credit Mid-America’s Community Investment program and the many ways we’re giving back to secure the future of rural communities and agriculture.
