Organization recognizes Marion County businesses
Three Marion County businesses will be honored in November at the annual Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference in Kansas City, Mo.
For the past five years, Cooperative Grain and Supply and Emprise Bank of Hillsboro, and Midlands Farm Services of Marion have sponsored scholarships awarded to Marion County high school seniors.
Past scholarship recipients have been Paula Pankratz, 1999; James Anderson, 2000; Scott Winter, 2001; Jenna Tajchman, 2002; and Zane Unrau, 2003.
The scholarship is awarded to a Marion County high school senior who is pursuing a four-year college degree in agriculture. The recipient is invited to the annual AFA Leaders Conference and has the opportunity to intern at Cooperative Grain and Supply the summer after his/her freshman year of college.
"This is a great scholarship program," said Doug Sharp, manager of Midlands Farm Services. "Any graduating senior in Marion County who thinks agriculture may be in his or her future needs to apply."
Applications can be obtained from the high school counselors and are reviewed in the spring.
The leadership conference provides personal and professional development opportunities. Focused training sessions and discussion with executive-level managers of leading agribusiness companies and organizations are included.
"AFA gives the Co-op great exposure in the corporate world," said Lyman Adams, general manager of Cooperative Grain and Supply.
AFA is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1996 to promote scholarships, intern opportunities, and leader development for students who are interested in careers in agriculture.
Since 1997, more than 625 scholarships have been awarded, totaling more than $2.5 million. The AFA Leaders Conference provides outstanding opportunities for growth and networking among the future leaders of agriculture in America.
