The National FFA Organization has selected 40 young people to participate in the 2008 New Century Farmer Program. The highly competitive program develops young men and women who are committed to pursing a career in production agriculture. The New Century Farmer Program is sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred a DuPont business; Rabo Agrifinance; and Successful Farming magazine as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

From Arizona to the Atlantic coastline in Virginia, participants representing 21 states will take part in an intensive five-day seminar in July 28 through August 1 in Johnston, Iowa at the Global headquarters of Pioneer Hi-Bred. They will learn from each other and industry experts during a series of workshops and sessions, on topics ranging from the global marketplace to farm financing, demographic trends to risk management.

The New Century Farmers will hear from motivating and informative keynote speakers who will educate them on the risks and rewards involved with agriculture production. In addition to classroom learning, students will be exposed to the latest developments in agricultural technology, field tours, sessions on personal and professional development and team building.

The program is designed to provide participants with valuable learning that they will take home and apply to their own farming operations, as well as resources and a network of friends that they can draw upon throughout their careers.

"Today's New Century Farmer is proficient in fields like chemistry, agribusiness, communication and agronomy," said Dr. Larry Case, CEO and National Advisor of the National FFA Organization. "The New Century Farmer Program helps today's young farmers prepare for a highly competitive global marketplace."

Arizona
Jake Rovey, Buckeye

Colorado
Curtis Dutro, Karval
Jenna Meeks, Fort Collins

Florida
Jamie Fussell, Arcadia
Bernie LeFils, Deltona

Idaho
Kimberly Woodworth, American Falls

Indiana
Aaron Clark, West Lebanon
Ryan Rippy, Ladoga
Scott Williams, Franklin

Iowa
Dan Hansen, Audubon
Justin Nasers, Sibley
Mitch Hemesath, Decorah

Kansas
Kyle Crossland, WaKeeney
Emilie Magnus, Arkansas City
Kyle Smith, Gueda Springs

Kentucky
John Bell, Hodgenville
Lauren Omer, Sturgis
Quint Pottinger, New Haven

Maryland
Ben Murphy, Ijamsville
Jacob Pieper, White Hall

Michigan
Andy Hruby, Fremont
Tim Wilke, Palms

Minnesota
Katie Mack, Zumbrota
Adam Miller, Dawson

Missouri
Anne Jaspering, Warrenton
Christopher Perry, Bethel

Nebraska
Jonathan Stech, Osmond

North Carolina
Bill Walker, Olin

Ohio
Rose Dudgeon, Frazeysburg
Felicia Quaintance, Mendon
Adam Walter, Galion

Pennsylvania
Clark Oberholtzer, Nottingham

South Dakota
Rachel Patrick, Brookings

Tennessee
Doug Giles, Franklin
Land Quarrinna, Mohawk

Virginia
Greta Brumback, Winchester
Glenn Dye, Fredericksburg

Washington
Susan Hodges, Oakesdale

Wisconsin
Andrew Christenson, Amery
Adam Freis, Newton