CALIFORNIA—The Farm Credit Alliance was recently presented with Future Farmers of America’s (FFA) Distinguished Service Citation for its longstanding contributions to the organization and agricultural education in general.
Katie Otto, development director for the California FFA Foundation, the state organization’s fundraising arm, said the California FFA nominated Farm Credit for the award because of its generous and enduring support. She added that the recognition was long overdue.
“The Alliance and its members have generously supported countless chapters at the local level through auction support at county fairs and through loans and financial services for student projects,” Otto said. “They have also served as members on advisory committees, as judges and coaches for events, and as mentors for projects — the list goes on.”
“The Alliance alone has contributed a half-million dollars to the California FFA over the past 25 years; their financial support impacts approximately 14 percent of FFA members nationwide,” Otto continued. “Their contributions to FFA and agriculture are significant; they embrace and regularly demonstrate the pillars of philanthropy giving of their time, talent and treasure on all levels.”
Jeana Hultquist, a vice president for Farm Credit Alliance member American AgCredit, accepted the award, presented at FFA’s National Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, and thanked the organization for the recognition, saying that Farm Credit’s support is part of its overall commitment to the future of California agriculture.
“Agriculture remains a vital part of California’s economy, but that’s not all,” Hultquist said. “Our farmers and ranchers feed the nation and the world, and that’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly. By investing in our young people today, we’re helping ensure the industry will remain strong and vibrant for decades to come.”
The Farm Credit Alliance is made up of American AgCredit, CoBank, Colusa-Glenn Farm Credit, Farm Credit West, Fresno Madera Farm Credit, Golden State Farm Credit and Yosemite Farm Credit, which are cooperatively owned lending institutions that provide agriculture and rural communities with a dependable source of credit.
