One of the most important ways to invest in the future of agriculture is to invest in the people who will become tomorrow’s agriculture industry leaders. Students pursuing the agriculture industry often look for careers in planning, implementation, production, management, processing, education, or marketing ag products and services. Tennessee Department of Education predicts that over 60,000 high-skilled agricultural jobs open annually in the United States with just around 35,400 graduates in the Ag, Food, and Natural Resources program studies to fill the openings. For students with interest in these program areas, many opportunities await. Scholarships and grants are available to high school seniors, college students, adults, first time farmers, and more. Here in Union County, agriculture is legacy to many students, and with education and careers growing in the field more students are likely to follow these paths.

For Union County students interested in an agriculture program of study, there are scholarship opportunities available to help offset costs.

Farm Credit Mid-America is accepting applications through the end of January for $1,500 scholarships to be awarded to more than thirty students across Tennessee. The applicant must be a child or grandchild of a Farm Credit Mid-America customer, majoring in agriculture or pursuing rural community related careers. Additionally, one recipient will receive an extra $1,000 and a trip to Louisville to share their ag story with the FFA leadership team this summer.

The Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts is offering six $600 scholarships across the state to graduating seniors, accepted to a Tennessee public university, who plan to major in agriculture and pursue a career in this field. These applications can be picked up at the Soil Conservation office at 3741 Maynardville Highway but must be completed and returned in the mail to TACD, postmarked by Friday, February 1st.

The Union County Farm Bureau has a scholarship program with limited spots available each year. The scholarships are worth $1,500 welcoming any students to apply, but with a heavy emphasis on those continuing their education in an ag related field. The applicant’s immediate family member must be a member of Union County Farm Bureau. Applications can be picked up at the Union County Farm Bureau office at 3020 Maynardville Highway and must be completed and returned no later than Friday, March 1st.

For anyone willing to put in the time and effort, there are many scholarships available to you. Take a look at National FFA Collegiate Scholarships 2019-20 Catalog for other opportunities available including those from AGCO, Chevrolet, Ford, John Deere, National FFA Foundation, Animal Health International, and more.