ESSEX JUNCTION — The Farm Show Board recently voted to sponsor a FARM (2+2) student through a four-year program that includes two years at Vermont Technical College and two years at the University of Vermont (with one semester at Miner Institute).
The Farm Show’s sponsorship pays for half the yearly tuition for the two years at VTC and the entire tuition for the two years at UVM. Students are responsible for room and board as well as books, etc.
The program develops:
•  Leadership skills to become a spokesperson for the agricultural community.
•  Understanding of the dairy business and related support systems.
•  Communication skills needed for directing a management team.
•  Confidence in application of technical knowledge.
Students study agronomy, nutrition, plant and soil science, cattle evaluation, chemistry, dairy farm management, forage production, financial and business management, lactation and milking, livestock production, conflict resolution, breeding and selection, analytical reasoning and many other subjects necessary to be successful in our industry.
VTC’s education results in a Dairy Farm Management Technology (AAS) degree and UVM results in either a BS in Animal Science or Community Entrepreneurship.
Several years ago during a vendors breakfast, someone mentioned offering a scholarship through the Farm Show to help young people get an agricultural education — and the board has finally accomplish it. Currently, the Vermont Legislature votes a budget to support students in the pipeline; Farm Show funding does not supplant that funding. In fact, Farm Show board members said they will go to the Legislature to show support for the program from the industry.
The Farm Show asked its vendors to donate funds toward the other half of the VTC semester tuition, and show organizers said they have got positive feedback. These vendors will be given a Certificate of Recognition to display on their booths, as well as being recognized on vtfarmshow.com, in the Farm Show brochure and on signage at the show.