By Blake Jackson
The Fayette County Farm Bureau has contributed $25,000 to the Fayette County Forever Blue FFA Endowment, strengthening a fund launched in 2024 to support agricultural education and FFA members throughout Fayette County.
In addition, the Fayette County Farm Bureau Education Foundation has committed to giving another $100,000 to the endowment over the next four years.
“Fayette County Farm Bureau saw the FFA Endowment as a way to make an impact that lasts. Supporting FFA in Fayette County is a natural fit for our organization because the future of agriculture depends on cultivating strong, young leaders,” said Robert James, president of Fayette County Farm Bureau.
“With this gift, we hope to ensure that future generations of FFA members have access to the training and encouragement they need to thrive in our community and in the agricultural industry.”
Fayette County’s agricultural education programs include Locust Trace High School, Carter G. Woodson Academy, and seven middle schools. Together, these nine programs operate individual FFA chapters that serve more than 3,000 students annually.
“The Fayette County Farm Bureau Education Foundation made this pledge to the FFA endowment because we believe in supporting agriculture education for future generations,” said Brian Conlon, foundation president. “An endowment provides lasting resources that will continually benefit students right here in Fayette County.”
Forever Blue Endowments are administered by the Kentucky FFA Foundation, allowing donors to invest in specific chapters through permanent funds that generate ongoing financial support.
The Fayette County endowment began with a seed donation from former chairman Nick Carter to honor National FFA Officer Caroline Groth of Locust Trace. As FFA nears its 100th anniversary in Kentucky, the foundation aims to establish 100 Forever Blue endowments statewide.
“This incredible commitment gets us one step closer to reaching that goal. Each endowment benefits countless students, both now and far into the future,” said Sheldon McKinney, executive director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation.
“We appreciate Fayette County Farm Bureau and its Education Foundation for stepping forward and supporting FFA members in their local community.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-alexeyrumyantsev
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy