News Release

For more information:

Sheldon McKinney
Executive Director
Kentucky FFA Foundation, Inc.

(606) 782-4620
sheldon.mckinney@kyffa.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 3,  2025

The Kentucky FFA Foundation is pleased to announce that Farm Credit Mid-America has significantly increased its support for Kentucky FFA members. This long-standing partnership will now bring even more opportunities for members to grow as leaders, build their communities, and strengthen agriculture.

"Farm Credit Mid-America proudly partners with Kentucky FFA to cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders. FFA equips youth with essential skills for leadership, personal growth, and career success,” says Jonathan West, financial officer for Farm Credit Mid-America in Campbellsville. “Many of us were FFA members in our youth and continue to support the organization today as volunteers and through our children. Together, we are building a dynamic future for agriculture."

Through its expanded contribution, Farm Credit Mid-America has made a substantial impact on several opportunities for Kentucky FFA members. 

• State FFA Degrees: Each year more than 500 Kentucky students receive their state FFA degree. Farm Credit Mid-America’s support provides each one with the golden State Degree charm and a frame they can use to showcase their achievement.
• State Star Farmer Awards: Twelve Regional Star Farmer candidates compete annually for the title of Kentucky State Star Farmer. Farm Credit Mid-America’s support provides funding to recognize and reward these students. Additionally, all local FFA chapters across the state can receive funding to sponsor their own local Star Farmer awards.
• State FFA Convention Leadership Opportunities: The 2,700 FFA members who attended State FFA Convention last June were able to participate in leadership workshops sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America.
• Support for State FFA Officer Travel: In 2023, Farm Credit Mid-America began supporting the travel of Kentucky FFA State Officers. During a single year, state officers will personally connect with more than 13,000 students, visiting chapters, conducting leadership workshops, and keynoting meetings and banquets.
• Shark Tank Contest: The Kentucky FFA Foundation has offered grants up to $5,000 for a handful of young ag entrepreneurs each year. Students develop a pitch video, comprehensive business plan and pitch to our “sharks” on stage at State FFA Convention. This year, Farm Credit Mid-America will be the sole sponsor of this incredible program. 

“Farm Credit Mid-America’s support for Kentucky FFA has spanned decades and the partnership has just gotten stronger and more impactful,” said Sheldon McKinney, executive director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation. 

“One of their priorities is to support agriculture's next generation and young or beginning farmers. That is a perfect fit for Kentucky FFA, and we’ve been honored to develop a full portfolio of projects and initiatives that accomplishes that mission with the help of Farm Credit Mid-America.”

The Kentucky FFA Foundation cultivates partnerships which support the FFA vision to grow leaders, build communities, and strengthen agriculture. Its initiatives impact 23,551 FFA members in 212 FFA chapters across Kentucky. For more information, visit www.kyffa.org.

###

About Farm Credit Mid-America

A proud member of the Farm Credit System, Farm Credit Mid-America exists to secure the future of rural communities and agriculture as a leading provider of reliable, consistent credit and financial services to farmers, producers, agribusinesses and rural residents in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee. The customer-owned cooperative serves more than 145,000 customers and manages a portfolio of $44.1 billion in total earning assets owned and managed. Farm Credit Mid-America’s products and services include loans for real estate, operating, equipment, rural living, crop insurance and vehicle, equipment and building leases. For more information, visit www.fcma.com.