The National FFA Organization has selected 50 outstanding young people to participate in the 2011 New Century Farmer program. This exclusive, highly competitive program develops young men and women committed to pursuing a career in production agriculture.


Participants representing 23 states will take part in an intensive seminar July 24-30 in Johnston, Iowa. They will learn from each other and industry experts during a series of workshops and sessions. Topics will include the global marketplace, farm financing, demographic trends and risk management. New Century Farmers will hear from motivating and informative keynote speakers who will educate them on the risks and rewards involved with agriculture production. In addition to classroom learning, students will experience the latest developments in agricultural technology.

The program is designed to provide participants with valuable skills and knowledge applicable to their own farming operations. In addition, they will build a network of colleagues that will benefit them throughout their careers.

Participating in the New Century Farmer Program are:

California
Ryan Clifton
Katharine Rosser

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Florida
Anthony Cannon
Austin Courson
Jacob Nyhuis

Georgia
Troy Highsmith

Idaho
Seth Pratt

Illinois
Matthew Dehlinger
Matthew DeSutter
Logan Frye
Christopher Richards
Justin Thomas

Indiana
Ryan Brauser
Kelsey Freeman
Blake Hesters

Iowa
Whitney Harris
Tyler Moser

Kansas
Kelsey Harris
Morgan McNeal
Michael Welch

Kentucky
Beau Neal
Alexander Richardson

Maryland
Alan Eck

Michigan
Stephanie Andersen
Carl Wagner III

Minnesota
Jason Keck
Todd Speltz
Gregory Tusa

Missouri
Megan Anderson
Gregory Cooper
Kaylyn Dalbom
Nancy Jackson
Jarred Lewis

Montana
Rob Newton

New York
Corey Reed

North Carolina
John Layton
Matthew Westmoreland

North Dakota
Aaron Steckler

Ohio
Jake Detwiler
Kayla Finton
Mike Hannewald
Matthew Lutz

Oregon
Logan Skeen

Pennsylvania
Tyler Funk
Lindsay Hetrick

Texas
Josh Snodgrass
Dennis Underwood
Carl Whitworth

Virginia
Westley Drake

Wyoming
Kyle Thoman PD

—From National FFA news release