Fresno, CA – June 14, 2024 – At our recent Member Appreciation BBQ, Fresno Madera Farm Credit had the honor of awarding five exceptional ag youth groups with a $500 grant, in recognition of their remarkable contributions to our communities. These grants will support their ongoing efforts and initiatives, fostering the growth and development of our future agricultural leaders.

Each spring, we extend an invitation to youth agricultural organizations from Fresno and Madera counties to apply for our annual agricultural youth grants. This year, the response was overwhelming with dozens of applications pouring in from dedicated groups across the valley. After reviewing all the applicants, our panel selected five deserving organizations to be the 2024 recipients.

To learn more about these outstanding organizations and the incredible work they are doing, we invite you to read their bios below!

Chowchilla FFA
Chowchilla FFA has accomplished numerous community service activities this year. They held a dog toy drive, collecting 250 toys for the local Animal Shelter, gathered 925 cans of food for the Merced Rescue Mission, crafted Valentine's Day cards for a local nursing home, and actively participated in the Chowchilla Fair by assisting with cleanup and the fair kick-off dinner. Additionally, members supported the Chowchilla Volunteer Firefighters Dinner. Members of Chowchilla FFA took home numerous awards this year including the California State FFA Almond Board scholarship and the California State FFA degree. Congratulations to Chowchilla FFA on an outstanding year!   

Kerman 4-H
Kerman 4-H actively engages with the community through various outreach events, including the Kerman Farmers Market, National Night Out, Kids Day, and Annual Almond Harvest. A cherished tradition is placing American flags at every house in Kerman for the 4th of July. They also made thank you cards for the Fresno Veterans Hospital and Thanksgiving cards for Autumn Ridge Assisted Living Center, sang Christmas carols, and distributed candy to residents. Additionally, members spent part of their spring break visiting Paint Brush Assisted Living, allowing residents to interact with goats. Thank you to the Kerman 4-H organization for all of your hard work!

Kerman FFA
Kerman FFA has actively participated in numerous community service projects in both the city of Kerman and in Fresno County this year. Their efforts include creating tie blankets for the Linus Project, organizing a "Kiss the Goat" event for Valley Children's Hospital, and conducting a canned food drive for the Kerman Food Bank. They also supported the Kerman Rotary booth at the Kerman Harvest Festival and the Kerman Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Booth at the Fresno Fair. This year the group also participated in Kid's Day for Valley Children's Hospital. Two members of Kerman FFA achieved state-level wins for the Proficiency Awards at the State FFA Convention in March 2024. Congrats to Kerman FFA on a great year!

Reedley 4-H
Reedley 4-H made a significant impact this year through their diverse projects and community service. In September, they assembled school kits for local families, ensuring educational resources were accessible. In the fall, they took pride in cleaning Downtown Sidewalk Quilt Tiles, preserving local heritage. They placed wreaths at the cemetery, adopted a family in need for the holidays, and brought heartfelt Valentine’s cards for Palm Village senior residents. This spring the group continued their service projects by participating in a community cleanup at Citizens Park and beautifying the Reedley Fire Department. Great work, Reedley 4-H. Thank you!  

Madera FFA
Madera FFA had an impactful year filled with community service and leadership. In 2023, they collaborated with the Central California Animal Disaster Team, demonstrating their commitment to animal welfare during emergencies. In the fall, they crafted donation boxes for Blue Star Moms Military Care Packages, made blankets for ill children through Project Linus, and participated in community events like the Animal Shelter Spooktacular. In December, they donated canned food items to the Madera County Food Bank. Their dedication culminated in 24 California State FFA Degrees awarded in April 2024, and seven members attending the Advanced Leadership Academy in February 2024. Thank you, Madera FFA for all your contributions to the community this year!

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About Fresno Madera Farm Credit:

Fresno Madera Farm Credit is a member-owned agricultural credit cooperative providing financial services to farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses in one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world. As part of the national Farm Credit System, it is dedicated to supporting the agricultural community and contributing to the success and sustainability of its members.  For more information about Fresno Madera Farm Credit please visit www.fmfarmcredit.com, and for more information about the Farm Credit System, visit www.farmcredit.com.