Farm Credit Welcomes FFA State Officers for Leadership and Entrepreneurship Experience
FFA State Officers from Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania gathered at Horizon Farm Credit's Westminster office on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 for a day focused on leadership development, entrepreneurship, and exploring opportunities within the agricultural industry. The experience provided student leaders with practical business skills, exposure to agricultural finance, and connections with Farm Credit team members who support agriculture and rural communities every day.
During the visit, students learned how Farm Credit's cooperative structure differs from traditional financial institutions and how that model allows the Association to reinvest in the future of agriculture through programs, resources, and educational opportunities for young people. The officers also explored careers in agricultural lending and financial services while learning about resources available to young, beginning, and small (YBS) farmers.
"These students are already leaders in their schools, communities, and state associations, and we're excited to help them continue building skills that will serve them throughout their careers," said Johanna Rohrer, Horizon Farm Credit Member Education & YBS Program Officer. "As a cooperative, Farm Credit is committed to investing in the next generation of agriculture. Opportunities like this allow students to gain real-world business experience while seeing firsthand how agriculture, finance, and entrepreneurship work together to strengthen rural communities."
A highlight of the day was The Goat Whisperer of Maple Farm: An Agricultural Youth Entrepreneurship workshop, led by Rachel Eck, Horizon Farm Credit YBS Relationship Manager. Inspired by the story of a teenage entrepreneur who built a business from her family's goat farm, the interactive session challenged students to think like agricultural business owners. Working in teams, participants developed product ideas, calculated potential profits, evaluated business costs, and created marketing strategies for their ventures.
The workshop encouraged students to apply creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking to real agricultural business scenarios. By connecting entrepreneurship with agriculture, participants gained a deeper understanding of the skills required to build successful businesses and create opportunities within the industry.
The visit reflects Farm Credit's ongoing commitment to supporting agricultural youth organizations and developing future leaders. Through educational and leadership development opportunities, scholarships, and programs for young, beginning, and small farmers, Farm Credit continues to foster experiences that develop leadership, expand agricultural knowledge, and strengthen the future of the communities the Association serves.