FCS and CoBank fund FFA Kentucky FFA Camp computer lab

Louisville, KY (October 30, 2008) – While many take computers and the internet for granted, it didn’t seem right that a youth camp whose primary focus is on learning didn’t have access to something as basic as a laptop.

That changed with a financial contribution from Farm Credit Services of Mid-America and Co-Bank.  Together, the two agricultural lenders are donating $40,000 to fund a computer lab at the FFA Leadership Camp in Hardinsburg, Kentucky.

FFA camp coordinator Dr. Pete Driesbach envisions a mobile solution so computers can travel to and from classes offered throughout camp. "Our motto around camp is 'learn by doing'.  It's great to be able to work with students on computer projects right here at camp versus teaching them what to do when they get home to a computer," he said.

Brad Hornsby, Financial Services Officer with Farm Credit Services of Mid-America in London, Kentucky, has been involved with the FFA camp for the last 15 years, first as an FFA camper, then a state FFA officer and camp employee. Now as an employee of Farm Credit, he invests time by teaching the fundamentals of finance.  "Access to computers and the internet will be a valuable resource," he said. "In class, we go over financing options, credit scores, budgeting and so forth. With students being able to use computers right there in class, it will be more hands on and memorable."

The computer lab will be purchased for the 2009 camp season. 

Both Farm Credit Services and CoBank have allocated stewardship dollars to programs that build leadership and encourage teamwork in rural America’s youth by giving back to local communities through their Support for Agriculture Stewardship Program.  Their programs target agricultural projects and educational initiatives, giving priority to youth and young farmers. More information about Farm Credit’s and CoBank’s Stewardship Programs and commitment to the rural community can be found online at www.e-farmcredit.com or www.cobank.com.

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About Farm Credit Services of Mid-America

Farm Credit Services of Mid-America is a $16 billion financial services cooperative serving over 85,000 farmers, agribusinesses and rural residents in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee. The association provides loans for all farm and rural living purposes including real estate, operating equipment and housing and related services such as crop and life insurance, and vehicle, equipment and building leases. For more information about Farm Credit, call 1-800-444-FARM or visit them on the web at www.e-farmcredit.com.

About CoBank

CoBank provides financing to rural cooperatives and critical lifeline businesses – food, water, electricity and communications – across the United States. Part of the $208 billion U.S. Farm Credit System, the bank also finances agricultural exports. In addition to the national office in Denver, CoBank has offices across the United States and one international representative office in Singapore. For more information about CoBank, visit the bank’s web site at www.cobank.com.