Farm Credit Mid-America, a $19 billion financial services cooperative serving farmers, agribusinesses and rural residents in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, is committed to the future of agriculture. The cooperative will provide more than $125,000 in scholarship funding for youth pursuing an ag related education in the association’s four-state territory throughout 2013.

“The farming population is aging,” said Ricky West, regional vice president for Farm Credit. “Fifty percent of farmers are less than ten years away from retirement. Providing the financial means for youth interested in furthering their agricultural knowledge is a solid way to protect the future of farming. As agriculture continues to grow and evolve we will do our part to help students continue to grow with the industry.”

“Often, a Farm Credit Mid-America scholarship is not just a scholarship,” said Sarah Ayer, a Western Kentucky University student and Farm Credit Scholarship recipient. “Although extra money to put toward my education was fantastic, I also quickly learned of the Farm Credit Internship Program. I applied for an intern position and the rest was history. The 12 weeks I spent with Farm Credit provided me with exposure to farming operations that were much different than what I was familiar with. The Farm Credit Scholarship partnered with my internship cultivated my interest in diverse farming operations – I no longer have a single definition for what farming is.”

In addition to the Farm Credit Scholarship, the cooperative also provides scholarships to 4-H, FFA and universities across the association’s four-state territory.

Farm Credit is now taking applications for the Farm Credit Scholarship. This scholarship is available to Farm Credit Mid-America customers, children of customers, grandchildren of customers and spouses of customers. More information about the Farm Credit Scholarship and other scholarships sponsored by Farm Credit can be found at e-farmcredit.com. Applications for the Farm Credit Scholarship can be submitted by clicking on “Community” then “Scholarships” then “Farm Credit Scholarship Program.” You can also contact your local Farm Credit Mid-America office to obtain an application at 423-626-3762. Applications must be received by March 1.