Farm Credit East Supports Future FFA Leaders

Scholarships Help FFA Students Grow Agriculture Career Skills And Experience

Bonnie Johnson
February 27, 2026
Media Article

Farm Credit East celebrates National FFA Week by awarding scholarships to 14 students, supporting agricultural career development through SAE projects and encouraging future leaders in farming, forestry, and commercial fishing industries.

Farm Credit East celebrates National FFA Week, observed from February 21 to 28, by awarding scholarships to students involved in The National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization. The program supports students who build skills and prepare for careers in agriculture through their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects.

In total, 14 students receive $1,000 scholarships to strengthen their current SAE projects or expand their knowledge in agriculture, commercial fishing, or forest products industries. The organization highlights that these students show strong commitment, clear career goals, and practical understanding of how their projects support their future in agriculture.

“Farm Credit East is committed to supporting the next generation of Northeast agriculture,” said Farm Credit East CEO Mike Reynolds. “These aspiring students have drive and passion, and their SAE projects are an important part of their development. We’re pleased to support their endeavors as they strive toward a career in agriculture or related fields.”

The scholarship recipients include Annaleen Aukema from Chenango Forks High School, Brycen Aukema from Marathon Central School, Fenton Aukema from Chenango Forks Middle School, Mya Bearup from Homer Senior High School, Claire Kleinman from Suffield High School, Taylor Lawrence from Lyman Memorial High School, Riley Mahaffey from Housatonic Valley High School, Ana McConnon from Midlakes High School, Samantha Miller from Union Springs Central School, Lillian Perham from Mayfield Central School District, Madalynn Ploetz from Springville-Griffith High School, Madeline Rea from Salem Central School, Griffin Von Uderitz from Tully Junior Senior High School, and Tyler Wood from Tully Junior Senior High School.

Farm Credit East offers these scholarships twice each year. The next application deadline is June 30, 2026. Students who are active members of their local FFA chapters and live within the eight states served by Farm Credit East are eligible to apply.

This initiative shows how agricultural organizations continue to invest in young people who are preparing to become future leaders in farming and related industries. By supporting student projects, the scholarships help build practical skills, confidence, and long-term career opportunities in agriculture.

For more details and applications, visit: FarmCreditEast.com/FFAscholarship.

Photo by: www.ffa.org