LOUISVILLE — Summer vacation may be only beginning for most students, but that doesn’t mean Kentucky Farm Bureau’s emphasis on education is slowing down. Eighty-four high school juniors from 54 counties across the state have accepted invitations to attend KFB’s 27th annual Institute for Future Agricultural Leaders, held in two locations this month.
IFAL is a unique five-day summer leadership conference that highlights a variety of careers in agriculture while exposing high school students to a preview of college life. Participants were nominated by their county Farm Bureau board of directors with the assistance of school personnel and youth group advisors. IFAL students are among the top in their class, plan to further their education at the post-secondary level and have an interest in pursing a career in agriculture.
During the week-long IFAL conference, attendees will gain a better understanding of the nature and needs of the agriculture industry, see how basic and applied science is utilized in agriculture and learn of the political process used to develop agricultural policy. Participants will engage in team-building and recreational activities, attend classes and hear from speakers focusing on the values of leadership, social, communication and motivational skills, and visit research farms and other agriculture-related industries. The entire experience is wrapped in a college atmosphere as the students live in dormitories, eat in university dining facilities and become acquainted with life on a college campus in general.
To provide conference participants with a small-group atmosphere and greater ability to learn and engage in the activities planned, IFAL is split into two identical sessions. The first is held on the campus of Murray State University, June 17-21, and the other is hosted at the University of Kentucky, June 24-28.
Local students attending IFAL at Murray State University include: David Faulkner of Boyle County; and Ashton Jones, Ruth Ann Myers, Meagan Pinkston and Rusty Sallee all of Mercer County.
Local students attending IFAL at the University of Kentucky include: Jena Hopkins of Casey County; Stephanie Crouch of Garrard County; and Monique Brummett of Lincoln County.
For more information about the IFAL program, visit kyfb.com/federation.
