Farm Credit, a national provider of financing and related services to agricultural producers and agribusinesses, reached its year-end goal, distributing $2 million to national agricultural programs. Additionally, Farm Credit’s banks and associations give millions of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours annually to support local and regional programs. Farm Credit also announced its continued commitment in 2012, earmarking another $2 million in national contributions to support agriculture and rural America.

Farm Credit’s National Contributions Program supports the future of agriculture by funding organizations and initiatives that improve the lives and livelihoods of farmers and ranchers. While the industry continues to thrive, agricultural organizations need support to ensure the future of American agriculture and to ensure a safe and abundant source of food, fuel and fiber today and for generations to come.

“As Farm Credit celebrates 95 years of service to agriculture and rural America, our national contributions program demonstrates Farm Credit’s commitment to a thriving rural America that extends beyond providing financial services,” said Christina Bowen, director of national contributions for Farm Credit. “Encouraging the growth of women in agriculture, providing opportunities for young farmers and students, and supporting local producers, sustainability and energy solutions are just a few of the initiatives the Farm Credit National Contributions program enables.”      

“The support that Farm Credit provides through their sponsorship of FFA’s key national initiatives allows us to deliver meaningful programs that have a positive impact on the lives of so many young people across the country,” said Maggie Stith, senior regional director of the National FFA Foundation. “Their financial support combined with their local volunteerism and giving makes Farm Credit a truly valuable partner to FFA.”

The Farm Credit National Contributions Program’s application deadlines for 2012 are listed below. Qualified applicants are invited to apply today at www.farmcredit.com. Click on the “Apply for Grants and Sponsorships” button.

• Q1 - February 29, 2012
• Q2 - May 31, 2012
• Q3 - August 31, 2012
• Q4 - November 30, 2012

The complete list of 2011 Farm Credit National Contributions program recipients is featured on Farm Credit’s website, and below is the fourth-quarter 2011 recipient list:

About Farm Credit: Lending Support to Rural America
For 95 years, Farm Credit has been a national provider of credit and related services to rural America through a cooperative network of customer-owned lending institutions and specialized service organizations. Created by Congress in 1916, the Farm Credit System provides more than $175 billion in loans and leases to farmers, ranchers, rural homeowners, aquatic producers, timber harvesters, agribusinesses, and agricultural and rural utility cooperatives. For more information about the Farm Credit System, please visit www.farmcredit.com.

Farm Credit

Farm Credit

For 95 years, Farm Credit has been a national provider of credit and related services to rural America through a cooperative network of customer-owned lending institutions and specialized service organizations.

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