White County FFA member attends inaugural TN Future Farmer Conference

 White County FFA senior Griffen Burton was selected to attend Tennessee’s Future Farmer Conference.  The inaugural Tennessee Future Farmer Conference, sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America, was held Sept. 3-6, 2024, at Tennessee FFA Camp Clements. The event brought together 30 aspiring agriculturalists for an immersive learning experience. The four-day conference aimed to equip students interested in production agriculture for future careers in the field.

The students selected for the conference plan to pursue careers in agricultural operations directly following graduation from high school, whether that is starting a first-generation farm, working on an existing farm, or serving as a technician or manager for an agricultural company. The conference offered a unique blend of informative sessions led by industry experts, farm and industry tours across multiple agricultural sectors, and collaborative opportunities with peers from across the state. Participants gained invaluable insights into various aspects of production agriculture, including crop and livestock production, field nursery operations, soil management, and financial planning. Selection for the conference was competitive, with preference given to students already involved in production agriculture and those demonstrating a strong desire to pursue careers in the field.

The 30 selected participants represented a diverse cross-section of agricultural interests and backgrounds. Highlights of the conference included visits to a sod farm, poultry farm, row crop farms, and an agritourism operation, providing students with firsthand experience of different agricultural practices. Additionally, attendees benefited from presentations by representatives from Farm Credit Mid-America, the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and University of Tennessee Extension. A young farmer panel offered practical insights into the realities of agricultural entrepreneurship.

The conference culminated with a luncheon celebrating the students’ promising future and Farm Credit Mid-America’s belief in their career goals. This event provided a fitting conclusion to the four days of learning and networking, reinforcing the support these young agriculturalists have from industry leaders. Special guests in attendance included Jason Alexander, Senior Vice President of Agricultural Lending in Tennessee at Farm Credit Mid-America; Eric Mayberry, President of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation; and Carol McDonald, Assistant Commissioner of Policy and Legislation for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

 “Our goal was to ensure that attendees left the conference with a well-rounded understanding and better preparedness for a future in production agriculture. Production agriculture is foundational to our society–without it, we don’t eat. We’re equipping these students with the knowledge and tools they need to ensure an ever-growing population is fed.” said Ryan Inman, Tennessee FFA State Director.

“We’re grateful for Farm Credit Mid-America’s sponsorship, which made this valuable experience possible for our students. These 30 students were our first Future Farmer Conference Cohort, and we’re excited to see what they accomplish.”

The Tennessee Future Farmer Conference represents a significant step in nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders and ensuring the continued vitality of the state’s farming industry.