LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Farm Credit Mid-America has selected 25 college students from Delaware, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee to participate in its 2026 Scholars Program, an initiative designed to support and develop the next generation of leaders in agriculture and rural communities.
Janellyn Fisher of Crawfordsville and who attends Purdue University is among the recipients.
Now in its 10th year, the Farm Credit Mid-America Scholars Program provides rising college sophomores and juniors with $5,000 in financial support over a two-year period. In addition to scholarship funds, scholars participate in immersive, week-long learning and travel experiences that emphasize leadership development, financial education and community impact.
Students are selected for the program based on academic performance, leadership qualities, community involvement and a demonstrated passion for promoting and advancing agriculture. Eligible participants must be pursuing degrees in agriculture or fields related to supporting rural communities.
“Our scholars come from different paths and places across rural America,” said Larry Gerber, head of human resources at Farm Credit Mid-America. “What connects them is a shared passion for agriculture and rural communities. We are proud to support them as they take the next steps forward.”
Scholarship funds will be awarded by August 2026 for the fall academic semester.
The Farm Credit Mid-America Scholars Program is one of many ways the cooperative invests in the future of agriculture. Over the past decade, Farm Credit Mid-America has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships and experiential learning experiences for students pursuing careers that help strengthen rural America.
In 2025 alone, Farm Credit Mid-America invested more than $4 million in programs and partnerships aimed at creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for rural communities. Of that amount, $1.59 million directly supported youth, college students and young and beginning farmers.
For more information about Farm Credit Mid-America’s College Scholars program, visit fcma.com/community/investments/scholarships.
