For the first time, Ag Proud – Idaho offered three scholarships for Idaho’s high school seniors pursuing a career in agriculture. This initiative reflects Ag Proud – Idaho’s firm belief in the future of agriculture and a commitment to supporting the next generation of ag professionals.

New Plymouth High School’s current ag building was built in the 1940s and was intended as the classroom for a much smaller student enrollment. Now the school has seven ag classes per day with more than 160 kids enrolled.

With a footprint about half the size of a football field, the new building will double the lab space available for the school’s welding, food science, animal science, ag mechanics and plant science classes. Even while doubling its space, the ag program will still have extra room to accommodate future growth.

MYBEP connects young cattle enthusiasts with cattle producers and facilitates a mentorship relationship between the two. MYBEP participants receive a heifer calf to raise, show and start their own herd with.

Trent Van Leuven, agriscience instructor and FFA advisor at Mackay Junior/Senior High School, was named 2024 CapEd Credit Union Idaho Teacher of the Year.

The 2023 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, concluded in early November, with several noteworthy achievements from Idaho students.

The program started in response to frequent requests from student groups for financial support. “We wanted to add an education piece to donations. This is a way to cultivate our community and involve producers.”

Grangeville student takes showing livestock to community youth clinic.

“The skills they’ve learned, the work ethic, doing chores, taking care of animals have set them up to be successful adults. This is why we do what we do through 4-H and FFA – try to raise kids with those skill sets.”