By Blake Jackson
More than 30 Kentucky counties were represented at the University of Kentucky this June as rising high school seniors participated in the 41st annual Institute for Future Agricultural Leaders (IFAL).
The weeklong program is organized by Kentucky Farm Bureau in collaboration with the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and Murray State University.
Participants stayed on campus, visited UK research farms, attended leadership sessions, connected with agriculture professionals and gained a firsthand look at college life. They also took part in a discussion meet competition, ropes course activities and the annual barnyard Olympics.
Taylor Nash, director of Young Farmer Programs at Kentucky Farm Bureau, said IFAL was established to introduce students to career possibilities in Kentucky agriculture while helping them develop valuable relationships.
“IFAL is a Farm Bureau program that’s been going on for four decades with the goal of bringing together upcoming seniors and helping them get connected with agriculture in the industry and see what their future might look like here in Kentucky agriculture,” Nash said.
The campus-based format also gives students an opportunity to understand what attending college may be like. Nash said, “This is an opportunity to bring them to campus, put them in a dorm, let them eat at the dining hall, get to explore campus and really begin seeing the importance of keeping Kentucky’s talent in Kentucky.”
Addie Baker of Adair County said the experience helped her become more comfortable with college and influenced her career plans. After considering both medicine and agriculture, she said, “this made me realize that I wanted to continue to be a voice for agriculture long after I graduate high school.”
Wayne County participant Collin Ramsey said IFAL strengthened his communication, teamwork and leadership skills while introducing him to students and agricultural professionals from across Kentucky.
Nash emphasized that the program is open to students from all backgrounds who are interested in exploring agriculture.
For participants, the friendships, mentorships and professional connections developed during IFAL may continue well beyond the program, helping shape Kentucky’s future agricultural workforce.
Photo Credit: jacob-rudy
Categories: Kentucky, Education