Sowing Seeds
A Youth Course in Agribusiness
KKAC has been awarded a grant by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) to implement a youth course in Agribusiness, covering topics from soil testing and nutrient management to plant inspection and cover crops. Students will participate in internships and job shadowing with local farmers and USDA NRCS and FSA offices. Students will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Grade 9-12
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Attend high school in Lee, Phillips, St. Francis, Monroe, and Jefferson Counties (AR)
- Submit an application
- Complete an interview
One
Educate current and future generations of HU landowners, both urban and rural, resident and absentee, about the importance of retaining ownership of their land in order to prevent land loss.
Two
Educate current and future generations of HU landowners about estate and financial planning.
Three
Develop financial (i.e., direct, tax, market-based, etc.) land conservation incentives for HU landowners and educate them about these opportunities.
Four
Establish partnerships and working relationships with:
a) agricultural/food and fiber supply,
b) forest products, and
c) environmental assets chain networks to ensure HU landowners have a prominent place in the marketplace so their lands are maintained in a sustainable, productive manner and land values are protected, both of which are crucial to HU landowners’ well-being.
Five
Place agricultural, forest, wetland, and conservation easements on land owned by HU landowners to ensure sustainability, profitability, and that land ownership is preserved for generations to come.
Six
Hold, monitor, and manage conservation easements on agricultural, forest, wetland, and other types of land for HU landowners.
Seven
Educate the public and policy makers about the importance of maintaining a diverse landownership that includes HU landowners and the tools necessary to do so.
Eight
Provide technical assistance to HU landowners so they can achieve the highest and best use of their land in order for it to produce agricultural, forest, and/or environmental products that are best suited for their land conditions and characteristics.
Nine
Form partnerships and working relationships with other corporations, agencies and organizations based on trust, respect, and credibility.
