From the Fields: I Believe in the Future of Agriculture

By Amy Austin

Each summer, Lake Ridge Bank’s Ag Team dedicates countless hours volunteering at county dairy breakfasts, local fairs, meat animal auctions, and many other agriculture-related events. Through these experiences, we have the opportunity to support the next generation of agricultural leaders and the future of farming. As summer comes to a close, it’s worth recognizing the bright future represented by our youth involved in agriculture.

Many of us in agricultural banking grew up on farms, showed livestock at county fairs, or spent time in 4-H and FFA. While there’s often discussion about whether today’s youth work as hard as previous generations, what I continue to see tells a different story. Our youth involved in agriculture are developing the same strong values, work ethic, and sense of responsibility that have long been the foundation of our industry.

Take county dairy breakfasts, for example. While many community members are just arriving, 4-H members have often been hard at work for hours, helping set up, serve food, clean tables, and represent their clubs.

The same is true during fair season. Whether showing livestock or exhibiting projects, our youth invest months of planning, budgeting, preparation, and daily responsibility for just a few moments in the spotlight. Along the way, they gain valuable lessons in financial management, sportsmanship, leadership, and the reality that hard work often leads to rewarding results.

As ag bankers, community members, parents, and volunteers, we should be proud of our youth in agriculture. They are learning how to set goals, overcome challenges, and contribute to something bigger than themselves. No matter where their paths lead, they give me great confidence in the future of agriculture and our rural communities.

Austin is AVP ag and business portfolio specialist with Lake Ridge Bank in Evansville. She also currently serves on the WBA Agricultural Bankers Section Board of Directors.