Vermont Farm Show Vendors Set Up and Donate to 2+2 Program!
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).
Our 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 we’ve finally been able to accomplish it! Currently, the Vermont Legislature votes a budget to support students in the pipeline – our funding does NOT supplant that funding. In fact, we will be going to the Legislature to show support for the program from industry.
We’ve asked our vendors to donate funds towards the other half of the VTC semester tuition – and the results have been outstanding!
These vendors will be given a Certificate of Recognition to display on their booths, as well as being recognized on our website, in the Farm Show brochure and on signage at the Show. Many thanks to each and every one of them for supporting the future of agriculture!!
