INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, July 24, 2023/National FFA Organization) – An elite group of 43 FFA Alumni, between the ages of 18-24, from 21 states across the country were selected to attend the New Century Farmer Conference, taking place July 23-27 in Des Moines, Iowa. The conference is designed for two- and four-year college students interested in pursuing a career in production agriculture.

The New Century Farmer program offers former FFA members a look inside the business operations of farming. Conference participants represent various agriculture career interests and supervised agricultural experiences. The majority of attendees are interested in ownership and entrepreneurship, as well as agribusiness and animal careers.

“The New Century Farmer program provides a pathway for FFA Alumni to advance their leadership, personal and career skills,” said Allie Ellis, National FFA Alumni and Supporters associate director. “The conference is a dedicated time for attendees to explore diverse farm operations with industry experts and learn what it takes to launch and maintain a successful career in agriculture.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2021, agriculture and related industries made up over 10% of U.S. employment, and the New Century Farmer Conference is positioned to amplify the trends and needs to grow the industry further. Careers in agriculture continue to show immense value by way of supporting livelihoods across the globe.

Those attending the conference this year include:  Jack Owen and Kaitlyn Lunt from Arizona; Joseph LaFlamme, Matthew Syrotiak and Savanah Battles from Connecticut; Katherine Doumit from Idaho; Brady McNealy, Jack Hoene and Nick Stoner from Indiana; Hailey Harbison from Iowa; Sierra Criste from Maryland; Amara Jackson from Michigan; Noah Erickson and Rachel Madsen from Minnesota; Connor Candler, Joel Robertson and Logan Elliott from Missouri; Grace Aisenbrey and Sierra Owens from Montana; Ryan Wright from New Jersey; Anna Brown, John McCrimmon, Rebekah Russell and Trace Guyer from North Carolina; Ashley Bergman from Ohio; Braeden Coon and Kevin Bornemann from Oklahoma; Kinlyn Hinson from South Carolina; Carson Weber from South Dakota; Kathleen Greuling and Rose Greuling from Tennessee; Kasee Vanessa Parker from Texas; David Sanders from Utah; Jackson Lohr from Virginia; Aubrey Schlimgen, Curtis Weltzien, Grace Link, Libby Hasheider, Matthew Fischer, Nate Seitz, Ryan Erickson and Taylor Baerwolf from Wisconsin.

New Century Farmer is sponsored by Case IH, Corteva Agriscience, Farm Credit, John Deere and Nutrien Ag Solutions.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 student members as part of 8,995 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 student members as part of 8,995 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders, and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.