Description: The AgYouth Program is a vital part of the Association's commitment to Young, Beginning and Small Farmers. It is a marketing program targeted at the high school students who have exhibited an interest in agriculture by joining 4-H Clubs and Future Farmers of America Chapters because the Association views these students as prospective farmers, ranchers, processors, agricultural-related businessmen or women and citizens in rural communities. Under the AgYouth Program, Association staff will work through qualifying 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters to assist financially students who have qualifying livestock projects. Association staff will also provide educational assistance to these c1ubs by discussing the importance of accurate records, budgeting and honoring obligations to repay.

Objectives: The AgYouth Program is intended to:

1. Provide a beneficial learning experience for the participant.
2. Streamline and create a low-cost process for American AgCredit.
3. Be a marketing tool in support of the YBS Program. As such it will not be a profit center and the return on the Association's ‘investment’ will be in creating good will and name recognition in the local agricultural communities as well as providing seed money for the future agriculturalist. Hence, return on investment will not be quantifiable.