Fayette County Farm Bureau Gives $25,000 to Local Forever Blue FFA Endowment, Its Education Foundation Pledges Additional $100,000 Over Next Four Years
Gift will support FFA programs in Fayette County

The Fayette County Farm Bureau has donated $25,000 to the Fayette County Forever Blue FFA Endowment, adding to a fund which was established in 2024 to benefit agricultural education programs and FFA members in Fayette County. 

Additionally, the Fayette County Farm Bureau Education Foundation, an arm of Fayette County Farm Bureau, has pledged an additional $100,000 to the endowment over the next four years. 

"Fayette County Farm Bureau saw the FFA Endowment as a way to make an impact that lasts,” said Robert James, president of Fayette County Farm Bureau. “Supporting FFA in Fayette County is a natural fit for our organization because the future of agriculture depends on cultivating strong, young leaders. With this gift, we hope to ensure that future generations of FFA members have access to the training and encouragement they need to thrive in our community and in the agricultural industry."

Fayette County has agriculture programs at Locust Trace High School, Carter G. Woodson Academy, and seven middle schools. Each of these nine programs has its own FFA chapter, impacting more than 3,000 students each year.

Brian Conlon is the President of the Fayette County Farm Bureau Education Foundation.

"The Fayette County Farm Bureau Education Foundation made this pledge to the FFA endowment because we believe in supporting agriculture education for future generations,” he said. “An endowment provides lasting resources that will continually benefit students right here in Fayette County.” 

Forever Blue Endowments are managed by the Kentucky FFA Foundation as a way for donors to make significant investments in an FFA chapter or chapters of their choosing. Donations go into an endowed fund which will pay dividends to the designated chapters in perpetuity. 

The Fayette County Forever Blue endowment was established with a seed gift from former Kentucky FFA Foundation Chairman, Nick Carter, to honor National FFA Officer Caroline Groth, a Locust Trace FFA member. Since then, several donors have contributed to the fund. 

As FFA approaches its 100-year anniversary in Kentucky (2029-2030), the Kentucky FFA Foundation has set a goal of establishing 100 Forever Blue endowments across the Commonwealth.

“This incredible commitment gets us one step closer to reaching that goal,” said Sheldon McKinney, executive director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation. “Each endowment benefits countless students, both now and far into the future. We appreciate Fayette County Farm Bureau and its Education Foundation for stepping forward and supporting FFA members in their local community.” 

Fayette County Farm Bureau is a voluntary organization of farm families and their allies working together to support farmers. Much of its work centers around encouraging youth in advancing their education and leadership skills, as well as around advocating for agricultural concerns.

FFA is an intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. More than 24,000 Kentucky students are members of FFA. In 2024, Kentucky FFA members earned more than $13.2 million through work-based projects and completed 26,489 hours of community service. 

The Kentucky FFA Foundation cultivates partnerships which support its vision to grow leaders, build communities, and strengthen agriculture. Its initiatives impact FFA members across Kentucky.