ENFIELD, Conn. — The Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement Program, a joint effort of Farm Credit East, Yankee Farm Credit and CoBank, recently provided funding to 18 organizations for their efforts to support young and beginning farmer initiatives, encourage youth leadership development and promote northeast agriculture.
Among the recipients included various programs to support youth leadership, development and recognition. The Eastern States Exposition received a $10,000 grant to support its annual FFA Star Farmer program, which recognizes the next generation of agricultural leaders and entrepreneurs.
The University of Massachusetts received an $8,000 grant to support the 2019 Winter Traveling Dairy Tour, a program to foster students’ interest in the dairy industry and educate them about dairy management strategies and practices. A similar New York State program, Cornell Junior Dairy Leaders, received a $5,000 grant to support its yearlong program to introduce high school students to career options in the dairy industry while developing leadership skills.
Focused on leadership development, the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge received a $7,000 grant to support its dairy challenge competition to develop college students’ management skills and learn more about the industry. In addition, the Maine and Vermont state 4-H programs received $3,000 each to support their programs.
Twelve other organizations received grant funds for projects consistent with Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement’s mission to promote and strengthen the agriculture, forest products and commercial fishing industries. Other projects receiving funds included ag youth and beginning farmer education and training programs, urban farm development programs and research initiatives.
— Farm Credit East