Young Farmers, Bright Futures . . . Continuing the Tradition!

By: Rodney R. Stettner, Chairman of the Board, Farm Credit of Western New York

Successful businesses are attuned to young people.

I remember suppliers who were willing to work with me and other young farmers when we were just starting out in agriculture. And I also remember how much I appreciated their support as I worked to build my farm business.

“I am writing to encourage you to support today's bright and talented young people with us . . .”

I am glad to say that many of those businesses are still vibrant supply operations today. At Farm Credit of Western New York, your board is committed to providing young and beginning farmers with every opportunity to succeed.

I am writing to encourage you to support today's bright, talented young people with us as they start out in their promising careers in production agriculture.

Young Farmers, Bright Futures . . .

Your board and association management met 21 young farm couples at our August 2002 conference called "Young Farmers, Bright Futures . . . Continuing the Tradition." The conference was our way to help young producers understand Farm Credit and the lending process a little better.

Cultivating and assisting young farmers is a hallmark of the Farm Credit System. The result of our efforts is evident in the successes of these young men and women. The result is also gratifying to your association board. I am confident that these young producers' ability, enthusiasm and desire will be able to endure agriculture's challenges.

Encouraging outreach

Farm Credit has long been engaged in promoting and advancing NewYork agriculture. One example is the Northeast Cooperative Council's Leadership Conference. We sponsored three farm couples' attendance at the annual conference in July. Our scholarship program also encourages young adults to pursue careers in agriculture. Our three 2002-2003 winners are John Boerman, of Marion; Elizabeth Noble, of Pavilion; and Natali Walence, of Churchville.

Outreach from Farm Credit and cooperative councils is not enough, however. Several young farmers at our August conference credited established farmers that had given them a start. I believe that encouragement and support of young farmers is important for all of us since it contributes to a vibrant and profitable future for agriculture.

The future of production agriculture in the hands of this next generation is truly bright. With a strong, engaged financial services cooperative, combined with the support and encouragement of established farmers, today's young farmers will have the resources they need to flourish!

This letter appeared in the Fall 2002 issue of Financial Partner (F.P.) magazine, Farm Credit Western New York's customer publication.

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