The Plight of Pollinators - The University of Tennessee Institute of ...

Institute’s first Farm Credit Scholarsstart their studiesPeyton GrahamThis autumn, the institute’s inaugural class of FarmCredit Scholars began their studies in the Collegeof Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Earlierthis year, the institute and Farm Credit Services of Mid-America announced the scholarship program that bringsthem to campus.The program selects outstanding students for specializedstudies in CASNR. The Farm Credit Scholars will engagein customized coursework, as well as an internationalexperience, mentoring opportunities and a Farm Creditinternship. Students may enter the program in theirfreshman year and renew the scholarship for a total offour years of study, provided they meet the requirementsfrom the previous year.“Farm Credit saw the need to attract a high caliber of student,and with this initial group of Farm Credit Scholars,the program is off to a very successful start,” says Dr. LarryArrington, chancellor of the institute.As Farm Credit Scholars, the students take courses inagricultural law, finance, policy and sales, rural development,leadership, and production agriculture.In addition, students are required to completea research project with written and oralreports to Farm Credit leadership, studentsand faculty.According to program coordinator John Riley,the initial group of scholars is up to the challenge.“We had excellent applications this year,and we expect that will hold true for the future, as this isa very competitive scholarship opportunity.”CASNR Dean Caula Beyl says the world faces a criticalneed for agriculture majors and the future job market istremendously strong. “There are exciting careers becauseyou know that you’re fulfilling something that is veryimportant. By 2050, the world’s population is estimated tobe 9 billion people, if not more. As long as people needfood, fiber and fuel, agricultural careers are going to bein the forefront.”“We’re looking for the brightest and most exceptionalstudents across all segments of agriculture,” explainsDavid Lynn, Farm Credit senior vice president of financialservices. “We are structuring this program to bevery open. The majority of scholars may come from theagricultural economics and agricultural business curricula,but we want the program to be available to otherexceptional students in CASNR. We want these studentsto become valuable contributors to their communitiesand to agriculture.” – Doug EdlundGraham is from Munford, Tenn.,and is pursuing a degree in agriculturalbusiness. She developeda passion for agricultural financein college and during an internshipwith Farm Credit during lastsummer. “I know I want to returnto my family farm, while still beingable to have a stable career in theagricultural industry. The realityis that there are not many opportunitiesto do what I love and stillbe close to home, which is why acareer with Farm Credit is so appealingto me.”20The 2012 Farm Credit Scholars pictured fromleft to right are Forrest Duncan, Ashlee Ailshie,Peyton Graham, Erin Brinkley and BillyRochelle. Dr. John Riley, UTIA Farm CreditScholar program administrator, is also pictured.