Farm Credit awards four UTM students

Farm Credit has a long-standing relationship to UTM students through scholarships and internships. This year, they awarded four UTM students scholarships and are encouraging students to apply for their internship program for next summer.

“For the last several years, we have offered scholarships to students as a way to demonstrate our commitment to help prepare them for tomorrow’s world. As agriculture continues to grow and evolve, we want to make sure that the next generation of rural community leaders are at the forefront of the industry and grow with it,” said Leann Oliver, Financial Support Specialist from Farm Credit Mid-America.

The total amount of scholarships given this year was 46, totaling $52,000. The four UTM students out of that group are freshman Farm and Ranch major Orren Ogg from Martin, Tenn.; freshman Crop and Soil Management major David Walker from Maryville, Tenn.; sophomore Animal Science major Katy Sanders from Franklin, Tenn. and Agriculture major Megan Moore from Winchester, Tenn.

Many of these students have been involved in the agriculture world for many years. Sanders grew up on a row-crop/calf operation and was involved in 4-H growing up.

“My family has used Farm Credit for as long as I can remember,” Sanders said.

The Farm Credit scholarships are awarded to customer-members of Farm Credit or their children who show academic, leadership and community qualities valuable to their regions.

Any major can apply for the scholarship, but it is preferential for it to be given to an agriculture-related major. Applicants can be any classification but must have a 3.0 or better GPA. Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012.

Farm Credit is also involved in an internship program, which has been successful in employing interns into the company after graduation.

“Farm Credit’s internship allows you to apply the skills and knowledge you are developing at school while contributing to exciting, real-world projects. We regard every intern as a potential full-time staff member and we’ll provide hands-on experience, designed to fit your career objectives, complement your academic work and enhance your learning,” said Regional Vice President, Tim Williams.

The association set a record this year with 28 interns from all across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. In addition to the interns working with aiding the Loan Officers in processing loans, they get experience with Crop Insurance, underwriting and accounting.

Interns this year got the exciting chance of helping with brand development and marketing of the new association launch, which updated Farm Credit’s overall look.

2011 UTM Student Intern Peyton Harper is now employed with Farm Credit in Cookeville, Tenn. It is not uncommon for interns to be hired after graduation.

Internships will begin in the late spring and will last 12 weeks. Interns will receive competitive compensation.

For more on scholarship and internship guidelines, go to www.e-farmcredit.com.