Young Leaders & Future Producer Outreach

Supporting the Future of Agriculture

The future of agriculture is rooted in the communities we cultivate today. At Texas Farm Credit, our commitment goes beyond lending. We believe in supporting the people, programs, and partnerships that help rural communities thrive and prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Through Young Leaders & Future Producer Outreach, we invest in education, leadership development, industry awareness, and meaningful connections for young, beginning, and small producers across our territory. Whether through scholarships, internships, leadership programs, educational events, or producer networking opportunities, our goal is to help build a stronger future for agriculture.

Knowledgeable People in Your Corner

Agriculture is stronger when producers have access to trusted guidance, practical resources, and people who understand the industry. Our team lives and works in the rural communities we serve, and we know how important it is to have knowledgeable people in your corner.

Through outreach and advocacy, Texas Farm Credit helps connect future producers with educational opportunities, industry leaders, and other producers who share their goals. These connections help encourage growth, strengthen rural communities, and keep agriculture moving forward.

Young Leaders Council

The future of agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and rural leaders. Texas Farm Credit’s Young Leaders Council gives young, beginning, and small producers the opportunity to grow their knowledge, expand their network, and experience different parts of agriculture across our lending territory.

Council members gain more than a seat at the table. They take part in tours, educational workshops, leadership experiences, and conversations with other producers, industry professionals, and Texas Farm Credit leaders. These experiences help members better understand production agriculture, business management, the Farm Credit System, and the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities.

For many producers, the YLC is also a place to build lasting connections. Members have the opportunity to meet fellow farmers and ranchers, learn from others in the industry, and bring new ideas and perspectives back to their own operations.

“Honestly, I didn’t know much about farming loans, so joining the Young Leaders Council and learning how it all works, really set the groundwork for our business and our partnership with Texas Farm Credit, and going into the future as well.”
– Aly Lassig, YLC Member

What Council Members Experience

The Young Leaders Council provides enrichment opportunities designed to help members:

• Explore different facets of production agriculture throughout Texas Farm Credit’s lending territory
• Learn about innovative marketing, management, and business strategies
• Better understand ag lending, the Farm Credit System, and the cooperative model
• Connect with other young, beginning, and small producers
• Build leadership skills and industry relationships that can support their future in agriculture
• Gain firsthand exposure to agricultural operations, businesses, and issues beyond their own operation

Council Participation

Young Leaders Council members should:

• Be current Texas Farm Credit association members who meet Young, Beginning, or Small criteria
• Have current loans with Texas Farm Credit and be involved in production agriculture
• Commit to serving a two-year term on the Council
• Fully participate in approximately 2-3 meetings, tours, or educational workshops each year

For producers who want to learn more about agriculture beyond their own operation, make meaningful connections, and take a more active role in the future of the industry, the Young Leaders Council offers a valuable way to get involved. Contact us today if you’re interested in joining.

Ag Awareness and Education

In addition to the Texas Farm Credit Young Leaders Council, our cooperative supports the future of agriculture through scholarships, internships, sponsorships, educational programs, and industry partnerships. These outreach efforts are designed to encourage future producers, strengthen rural communities, and help the next generation of agricultural leaders build knowledge, confidence, and connections.

Scholarships and Student Support

Texas Farm Credit is proud to invest in students who are passionate about agriculture and rural communities. Through programs like Ag Champs and the Marsha Martin Scholarship, we help support high school students across our territory as they pursue their education and future careers.

Learn more about Texas Farm Credit scholarship programs

Internship Opportunities

Our internship program gives qualified college students the opportunity to learn more about Farm Credit, agricultural lending, and the many roles that support rural financing. Interns spend the summer working alongside Texas Farm Credit leaders and mentors while gaining experience across a variety of departments.

Explore career and internship opportunities

Leadership and Producer Development

Texas Farm Credit supports opportunities that help young, beginning, and small producers grow as business owners, leaders, and advocates for agriculture. Programs such as the Tenth District Young Leaders Program and The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers help participants expand their understanding of agriculture, business management, the Farm Credit System, and the role of agriculture in the broader economy.

Ag Education, Sponsorships, and Partnerships

We also support programs that promote agricultural education, business development, land stewardship, and industry awareness. These efforts include educational events, student business programs, ranch management education, and partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to agriculture and rural communities.

Examples of these outreach initiatives include:

• Tenth District Young Leaders Program: Opportunity for YBS members to travel to Wall Street and D.C. to interact with System leaders and congressional representatives, and learn about ag’s importance in the US economy. Offered through Farm Credit Bank of Texas.
• The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers (TEPAP): Award-winning program giving YBS borrowers the opportunity to grow their acumen of growth, expansion, and other business management.
• Texas Farm Credit Certificate in Advanced Ranch Management: Certification for ranchers and landowners to continue their industry education and adaptation. Offered through and in partnership with the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management.
• Texas Farm Credit Entrepreneurial Dream Symposium: Ag economic students present the potential and projected economic performance of their business venture projects to more than 100 entrepreneurs and business professionals. Annually held at Texas A&M University.
• Land Stewardship Ambassador Program: Cultivates future community leaders in two different urban communities, San Antonio and Laredo, by educating them to become well-versed in land stewardship principles and how they interact with society. In partnership with the East Foundation.
• Education and research sponsorships
• Community-based agricultural events and partnerships

Learn more about Texas Farm Credit sponsorships and giving

Through these programs, Texas Farm Credit continues to support agriculture beyond financing. We are proud to invest in the people, partnerships, and educational opportunities that help keep agriculture strong for generations to come.