Excitement Builds for New Youth in Ag Innovation Program

Farm Credit Mid-America is accepting applications for its new Youth in Ag Innovation Program through Dec. 1, 2026. A total of $17,500 will be awarded to three youth organizations to implement projects that advance agricultural innovation and demonstrate measurable impact.

The program encourages young leaders to identify opportunities and develop creative solutions connected to agricultural practices, food production or access, sustainability and conservation, and agricultural technology or systems.

The top three projects will receive:
• Top Project Award: $10,000
• Excellence Award: $5,000
• Impact Award: $2,500

Award funds must be used to implement the proposed projects. Eligible applicants must be youth-led groups affiliated with an established organization, such as 4-H, FFA, a school-based science or agriculture club or another recognized youth-serving organization. Participants are recommended to be ages 12 to 18 and must work with an identified adult advisor or sponsor.

Applications will be evaluated on the creativity and originality of the idea, likelihood of successful implementation, potential benefit to agriculture or the community, depth of youth leadership, and involvement and strength and completeness of the application.

The three finalists will be selected from all eligible submissions and invited to present their projects at Farm Credit Mid-America’s February 2027 Advocate Council Meeting. Customers attending the meeting will vote to determine the final award placements. The Top Project Award recipient will also be invited to the following year’s meeting to share the impact of the completed project.

For more information, visit fcma.com.