The National FFA Organization selected 50 outstanding young people to participate in the 2011 New Century Farmer program. Former Texas FFA members Josh Snodgrass from Idalou, Dennis Underwood from Dimmitt and Carl Whitworth from Junction were among the New Century Farmer participants selected this year. This exclusive, highly competitive program develops young men and women committed to pursuing a career in production agriculture.
Participants will take part in an intensive seminar July 24-30 in Johnston, Iowa. They will learn from each other and industry experts during a series of workshops and sessions. Topics will include the global marketplace, farm financing, demographic trends and risk management. New Century Farmers will hear from motivating and informative keynote speakers who will educate them on the risks and rewards involved with agriculture production. In addition to classroom learning, students will experience the latest developments in agricultural technology.
The program is designed to provide participants with valuable skills and knowledge applicable to their own farming operations. In addition, they will build a network of colleagues that will benefit them throughout their careers. Candidates interested in applying for the New Century Farmer program must be currently attending or a recent graduate of a two or four-year college or university, have experience in the field of production agriculture and demonstrate the intention to return to a career in production agriculture through work experience, training or other activities including, but not limited to academic classes, FFA involvement and or SAE projects. For more information regarding the New Century Farmer program click
here.