Fifty young people representing 24 states have been selected by the National FFA Organization to participate in the 2012 New Century Farmer program. It’s a highly competitive program that develops young men and women committed to pursuing a career in production agriculture. The participants will head to Johnston, Iowa July 8th through the 14th where they’ll 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.

A special project of the National FFA Foundation – the New Century Farmer program is designed to provide participants with valuable skills and knowledge applicable to their own farming operations. The program is sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred, Case IH, CSX Corporation and Farm Credit, with media partner Successful Farming.

 Iowa: Joshua Hitzhusen, Rob Mensing

Kansas: Trisha Goetz, Colton McNinch, Kip Smith

Missouri: Benjamin Potter, Andrew Perry, Alex Nuelle, William Keller

Nebraska: Travis Poppe, Megan Rice, Andrew Stech