Farm Credit Mid-America names 25 students to 2026 Scholars Program

NORWALK — Farm Credit Mid-America has selected 25 students from seven states, including seven from Ohio, for its 2026 Scholars Program, a leadership and scholarship initiative that supports future leaders in agriculture and rural communities. The program, now in its 10th year, provides rising college sophomores and juniors with $5,000 in scholarship support over two years, along with leadership development and travel opportunities focused on agriculture, financial education and community engagement. According to Farm Credit Mid-America, students are chosen based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement and their commitment to advancing agriculture and rural communities. "Our scholars come from different paths and places across rural America," said Larry Gerber, head of human resources at Farm Credit Mid-America. "What connects them is a shared passion for agriculture and rural communities. We are proud to support them as they take the next steps forward." The Ohio students selected for the 2026 cohort are: •Tessa Griffith — The Ohio State University •Daniel Stacy — The Ohio State University •Soda Kiser — University of Findlay •Derick Findley — The Ohio State University •Addie Naus — Wilmington College •Anna Moeller — Wilmington College •Malainy Boes — The Ohio State University Naus is from Norwalk, according to the group. Scholarship funds are expected to be distributed by August for the fall 2026 semester. The group said the scholars program is part of a broader effort to invest in the future of agriculture and rural America. Over the past decade, the cooperative said it has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships and experiential learning opportunities to students pursuing careers tied to agriculture and rural development. In 2025, the organization invested more than $4 million in programs and partnerships supporting rural communities, including nearly $1.6 million earmarked for youth programs, college students and beginning farmers. The full 2026 scholars cohort includes students from Delaware, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee attending universities throughout the Midwest and South. Farm Credit Mid-America is a member of the Farm Credit System and provides financial services to farmers, agribusinesses and rural residents across several states, including Ohio. The customer-owned cooperative serves more than 145,000 customers and manages nearly $49 billion in earning assets, according to the organization.