Maine student selected for national New Century Farmer Program

    INDIANAPOLIS – The National FFA Organization has selected 50 outstanding young people to participate in the 2009 New Century Farmer Program. This highly competitive program develops young men and women who are committed to pursuing careers in production agriculture.     Special congratulations go out to Matthew Blodget of Easton, who has been chosen as one of the 50 participants in the exclusive program. Blodget is currently a student at Northern Maine Community College majoring in diesel hydraulics technology. After college, he hopes to start his own potato farm in his home state.
    “Today’s New Century Farmer is proficient in fields like chemistry, agribusiness, agronomy and communications,” said Dr. Larry Case, chief executive officer and national adviser of the National FFA Organization. “The New Century Farmer Program helps today’s premier young farmers like Matthew Blodget to prepare for a highly competitive global marketplace, and to develop the professional and personal skills that will help them lead successful careers in production agriculture.”
    This year’s New Century Farmers are taking part in an intensive five-day seminar July 13-17 in Johnston, Iowa. The program provides participants with valuable learning and resources that they can take home and apply to their own farming operations. It also helps them develop a network of friends and colleagues that they can draw upon for assistance throughout their careers.
    The New Century Farmer program is sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred, Rabo AgriFinance and Case IH with media partner Successful Farming.