Welcome Farmer/Rancher!

The challenges facing young people today looking at a career in agriculture are formidable. To help prepare for the rigors of these challenges, youth Ag organizations, such as the 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters throughout the state, are constantly looking for ways to motivate young people while at the same time preparing them for a farming or ranching career.

On an annual basis, the NIFA-sponsored 4-H and FFA Governor’s Excellence Awards are presented to the top-rated 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters in the state. The eligible recipients of this excellence award are the approximately 1,900 4-H Clubs containing almost 26,000 members, and over 130 FFA Chapters, which have seen membership grow from 5,000 to over 16,000 members in recent years. The awards range from $500 to $2,500, given in the name of the Club or Chapter. This is to reward those Clubs and Chapters that most actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. They improve their organization's operations by using a program of activities that emphasizes student development, Club/Chapter development, and community development. Clubs/Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership. The Governor’s Agricultural Excellence Award aids in improving the quality of the agricultural education program and helps prepare young people for careers in agriculture.

As club members move toward securing agricultural futures of their own, NIFA offers assistance through its Beginning Farmer/Rancher Program, which enables beginning farmers/ranchers to obtain low-interest loans for the purchase of land, equipment and machinery, and breeding livestock.

For more information on the application and award process, please contact the 4-H or FFA organization main offices.

NIFA Contact:
Dudley Beyer