PUTNAM COUNTY – In an effort to invest in students with an interest in agriculture, the Putnam County Farm Bureau recently awarded $1,000 in grants to each of the agriculture programs at Cookeville, Monterey and Upperman High Schools. The funds will be used to support the Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters which are affiliated with the agriculture programs at each school.
“We feel it’s very important to promote and invest in agriculture programs and local FFA chapters because of the contribution these programs make to agriculture,” said Sam Tays, President of the Putnam County Farm Bureau. “The FFA chapters in each or our high schools are equipping students to play a valuable (role) in agriculture as our future leaders.”
Putnam County’s high schools provide courses to students interested in subjects like animal science, horticulture, agriculture mechanics, small animal care and other agriculture related topics. Through their involvement in the FFA organization, students participate in a variety of structured Leadership Development Events and Career Development Events geared toward reinforcing classroom instruction.
“The support of Farm Bureau provides us with the resources to help our student reach their potential towards experiencing premier leadership development, personal growth and career success,” said Amanda Edwards, Agriculture instructor and FFA Advisor at Upperman High School. “This financial support of our program is extremely helpful!”
Each chapter was visited by Putnam County Farm Bureau President Sam Tays and Agency Manager Phillip Baker.
To learn more about the Putnam County Farm Bureau’s involvement in the community, visit any of the four local offices or follow Putnam County Farm Bureau online via Facebook and Instagram.