These Local Students are Iowa Bound

As the average age of a farmer increases and less young adults are entering the production agriculture field, how will we produce enough food for the future?  That seems to be the urging question lately, for sure.  The National FFA Organization thinks they have a way to excite and educate young adults on the importance of returning to the farm.

The 2012 New Century Farmer conference will be held July 8 – 13^th in Des Moines, Iowa.  The goal of the conference is to help participants develop their careers in production agriculture by providing them with an opportunity to advance their entrepreneurial leadership, practical knowledge, visioning, global perspective and continuous personal growth.

During the five day conference, participants attend a series of workshops and sessions discussing topics ranging from the global marketplace to farm financing, consumer trends and managing risk.  Participants also have the opportunity to network with industry experts and take part in field and operation tours.

The program is highly competitive and accepts 50 participants nationwide.  We are proud that three of the participants are from the Mid-Atlantic region – Richard Kitchen and Joy Powers from Virginia, and Jacqueline Keenan from Delaware. 

We all know that in today’s global economy, farming is an exciting, fast-paced, and highly technical career.  And who better to take on the challenge then young, educated adults? Congratulations Richard, Joy, and Jacqueline!

Students, FFA members meet with Pennsylvania ag secretary

A group of high school students in Pennsylvania who are considering becoming young farmers recently spoke to the state's secretary of agriculture.

Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary George D. Greig met with six students from Kutztown High School who are all members of the Future Farmers of America, according to the Reading Eagle.

Greig spoke with the students about a number of issues including sewage sludge being used as fertilizer. In response to a question from a student about this matter, Greig said that he didn't think the sludge should be used on land that produces food for human consumption but added that it might be useful in other applications.

In addition, Greig talked about his life as a dairy farmer and about his time as an FFA member.

"Continue to improve yourself," Greig told the students. "You never know where you're going to end up."

These beginning farmers will be vital to Pennsylvania as agriculture is crucial to the state. There are about 63,000 farmers in Pennsylvania, and these properties - which average 124 acres in size - cover nearly 8 million acres of land.