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Close-up of a 4-H ribbon for Elliott County

Growing the Next Generation with 4-H

For more than 30 years, Farm Credit Mid-America and 4-H have partnered to empower young leaders with the tools to grow their talents, tackle community challenges, and explore diverse career paths.

4-H empowers youth to lead, drive community change, and spark ideas for a more innovative economy.

We are proud to support 4-H programs that foster career exploration in agriculture, promote agricultural innovation and enhance livestock events. Our collaboration with state and local specific initiatives underscores our commitment to empowering youth with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the agricultural sector. Through a range of dynamic programs and events, we aim to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders and innovators.

Growing Skills, Building Futures

Two girls touching a green plant.

Partnering for Progress

Juntos 4-H supports Latino youth and families with leadership and education opportunities, including hands-on vertical farming. With year-round support from Farm Credit Mid-America, the program expands access to vital resources for underrepresented communities.

Agricultural Innovation

The 4-H Youth Institute equips young leaders to tackle agriculture’s biggest challenges through expert insights and skill-building in public speaking, critical thinking, and problem-solving—made possible by Farm Credit Mid-America’s ongoing support.

Building Responsibility

The Junior Livestock Program helps youth build life skills like responsibility and decision-making through hands-on livestock activities. FCMA’s support encourages continued growth by providing awards that recognize excellence in agriculture.

Stories of Impact

Ag for All: Farm Credit Mid-America’s Commitment to Accessibility and Opportunity

Farm Credit Mid-America strengthens rural communities through local investment in impactful and accessible organization.

Hancock County Poss-Abilities Volunteer aids participants in showing a sheep
// Community News, Cooperative Stories

Farm Credit Mid-America's commitment to the communities it serves extends beyond financial services, manifesting in a robust community investment program that fosters growth and opportunity within agricultural and rural communities. This initiative, fueled by a $1 million annual investment, empowers Farm Credit Mid-America team members to identify and support local programs that align with the organization's purpose. Through active volunteerism and strategic contributions, the cooperative is making a tangible difference, one investment at a time.

A key focus of the community investment program is ensuring accessibility and opportunity for all within the agricultural industry. A powerful example of this focus is the partnership with Hancock County Poss-Abilities; an Indiana-based organization providing a unique platform for children and young adults with disabilities to interact, learn and grow with livestock. By pairing participants with experienced 4-H mentors, Poss-Abilities creates a supportive environment for learning and growth showcased through participation in local county livestock exhibitions. Farm Credit Mid-America's investment and team member involvement has been instrumental in enhancing this program, confirming the show arena is accessible to everyone.

The partnership’s impact goes beyond simply fostering participation. Recognizing the importance of proper attire in these exhibitions, team members collaborated with Cowpokes Work & Western to provide show apparel at no cost to participants.

Hancock County Poss-Abilities volunteer interacts with young 2024 participant

Farm Credit Mid-America team members have also volunteered at the Poss-Abilities Showcase, offering hands-on support, encouragement and further highlighting the association’s purpose.

As Account Specialist and volunteer Michaela Peters eloquently stated, "I grew up showing livestock and I think the Hancock County Poss-Abilities is an awesome program to help get youth with all abilities involved in showing by having a show catered to them. I am proud to work for our association, who is here to help and be a part of it." Michaela’s sentiment is a prime example of how Farm Credit Mid-America prioritizes inclusivity and empowerment through philanthropic programs.

Through initiatives like Hancock County Poss-Abilities, Farm Credit Mid-America demonstrates its commitment to securing the future of agricultural and rural communities. By investing in programs that promote accessibility, education and leadership development, the cooperative hopes to cultivate a brighter future for agriculture and ensure that opportunities are available to all, regardless of their background, financial status or abilities.

Shelley Bingle
The Indiana 4-H Foundation is incredibly grateful for the support of Farm Credit Mid-America. Their generous sponsorships create life-changing leadership and personal growth opportunities for Indiana 4-H members.

Shelley Bingle

Executive Director, Indiana 4-H Foundation

Get Involved

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