New program accepting applications through December 1, 2026
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Young people with ideas to strengthen agriculture and rural communities have a new opportunity to bring those ideas to life through Farm Credit Mid-America’s Youth in Ag Innovation Program.
Farm Credit Mid-America is accepting applications for the new 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.
“Some of the best ideas for the future of agriculture may come from the young people who will help lead it,” said Hannah Walker, community investment manager at Farm Credit Mid-America. “Through the Youth in Ag Innovation Program, we want to give young people the opportunity and resources to take an idea, put it into action and make a difference in agriculture and their communities.”
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 12-18 and must work with an identified adult advisor or sponsor.
Youth must take an active role in developing, planning, implementing and evaluating the proposed project. Applications should include clear project goals, measurable outcomes and a basic timeline while explaining how the project could benefit agriculture, youth development or the community. Projects that demonstrate strong partnerships, connections to their communities and rural leadership development are encouraged.
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.
Applications are due Dec. 1, 2026. Program details, eligibility requirements and the application are available through the Youth in Ag Innovation Program at fcma.com.
