By Blake Jackson
Over 40 rising high school seniors from across Kentucky gathered this week at the University of Kentucky to attend a leadership conference centered on careers in agriculture.
Now celebrating its 40th year, the Kentucky Farm Bureau organizes the Institute for Future Agricultural Leaders (IFAL), a five-day event designed to introduce students to college life and various agricultural career paths.
IFAL programs take place at both Murray State University and the University of Kentucky.
“We're finding those students who have an interest in agriculture with a hope of keeping them in agriculture, so we're exposing them to different careers, college opportunities, and really, what can it look like to be a part of agriculture in the future?” said Taylor Nash, director of Young Farmer Programs with Kentucky Farm Bureau.
During the conference, students participate in field trips, attend classes, develop leadership skills, and network with current college agriculture students.
Milburn, a rising senior at Nelson County High School, aspires to become a lawyer focused on agricultural issues.
“I feel like a lot of farmers are overshadowed and they feel like their voices aren't heard, and a lot of these bills affect them, like the Farm Bill that's been pushed back, that's really affecting them, so lawyers and lobbyists can help in that sense,” Milburn said.
Barber, who will enter her senior year at Monroe County High School, stressed the importance of young people pursuing agriculture.
“Ag is what keeps food on our tables and clothes on our body, so we need people to enter the ag industry and have an interest because without ag, we wouldn't be here today,” Barber said.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-nes
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Education