The National FFA is preparing 50 young people from 23 states this year to take on the challenge of new century farming.

The FFA’s 2011 New Century Farmer program is designed to help young men and women who are pursuing a career in production agriculture.

The participants will take part in an intensive seminar July 24-30 in Johnston, Iowa where they will learn from each other and industry experts during a series of workshops and sessions. Topics will include the global marketplace, farm financing, demographic trends and risk management. 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 experience the latest developments in agricultural technology.

The New Century Farmer program is sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business; Rabo AgriFinance; Case IH; and CSX Corporation; with media partner Successful Farming as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.