Louisville, Kentucky – January 2, 2008 – Farm Credit Services of Mid-America – a $13 billion ag lending cooperative serving farmers and rural America in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee - re-affirmed its commitment to educational success by making $36,000 in scholarships available in 2008 to children of members who are studying agriculture or business at four-year universities.  Eighteen scholarships – valued at $2,000 each - will be awarded based on academic record, leadership qualities, and community involvement. 

“We can think of no better way to invest in our future than through providing scholarships to deserving students choosing to pursue careers in agriculture, financing or ag business,” said Bob Barton, chair of the Farm Credit board. “As agriculture continues to grow and evolve, we want students to be at the forefront of the industry, and grow with it.”  

Through an initiative endorsed by the Farm Credit board last year, the scholarships are part of the cooperative’s new stewardship program which involves returning greater value to rural America by increasing the association’s investment in education and youth activities.

The scholarships are available to members, their dependents and spouses of the ag lending cooperative. The scholarship deadline is February 29, 2008. Scholarships will be awarded in May for the 2008/09 school year.  To apply, click here for the application. Or call 1-800-444-3276 to talk the closest office about obtaining an application.

About Farm Credit Services of Mid-America

Farm Credit Services of Mid-America is a $13 billion financial services cooperative serving over 81,000 farmers, agribusinesses and rural residents in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee. The association, which celebrated its 90th anniversary serving rural America in 2006, provides loans for all farm and rural living purposes including real estate, operating, equipment and housing and related services such as crop and life insurance and vehicle, equipment and building leases. For more information about Farm Credit, call 1-800-444-3276 or visit them on the web at www.e-farmcredit.com.