‘Pull for Youth’ Events Raise $100k for 4-H, FFA

Through several “Pull for Youth” sporting clays events held across the state, the Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina raised $103,000 for North Carolina 4-H and North Carolina FFA. The funds will be split evenly between the two organizations.

“We are extremely appreciative of the Pull for Youth funds donated by Farm Credit,” said Mike Yoder, associate Extension director and state program leader for 4-H and family and consumer sciences. “These events were a wonderful way to bring people together in support of 4-H, FFA and agriculture. Our thanks go out to Farm Credit, who has always been a great partner with 4-H, and we look forward to the continuation of this relationship.”

The funds raised will allow 4-H to provide greater support for its rapidly growing Shooting Sports program and complete much-needed renovation of its statewide camp facilities. For FFA, the funds will support the renovation and new construction plans at the N.C. FFA Center at White Lake, North Carolina. In fall 2018, construction is scheduled to begin on a new girls’ dormitory that will allow more than 70 additional students to attend the FFA camp, where previously there had not been enough space.

“The history and the vision of the Farm Credit organizations and FFA in North Carolina are woven together, as both organizations were founded to provide opportunities and support for those engaged in the field of agriculture and rural areas of our state,” said Jason Davis, state FFA coordinator. “The leadership in these organizations realize the importance of youth engagement in agriculture and the need for leadership opportunities provided by FFA.”

The three Pull for Youth events drew 350 participants and 150 volunteers, as well as more than 150 sponsors including statewide $5,000 sponsors American Forest Management, Hog Slat and House of Raeford. A full list of businesses and organizations who sponsored Pull for Youth is available at www.farmcreditofnc.com/pullforyouth.

“By providing funds to NC 4-H and FFA, the Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina and our Pull for Youth sponsors are working together to make sure tomorrow’s leaders in agriculture have a bright future,” said the three association CEOs in a joint statement. “We are thankful for all of those who played a part in the tremendous success of Pull for Youth, and we look forward to another great year in 2018.”

The Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina are AgCarolina Farm Credit, Cape Fear Farm Credit and Carolina Farm Credit. They are farmer-owned financial cooperatives with headquarters in Raleigh, Fayetteville and Statesville, respectively. They are the leading provider of credit to farmers in North Carolina.

This post was originally published in College of Agriculture and Life Sciences News.