N.C. State Fair Youth Livestock scholarship program accepting applications for first time

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the N.C. State Fair recently announced the creation of the N.C. State Fair Youth Livestock Scholarship Program.

The scholarships are designed for high school seniors and students currently enrolled in an institute of higher education who have participated in the junior livestock or market turkey shows at the N.C. State Fair.

“Agriculture is North Carolina’s leading industry, but the average age of our farmers is almost 59,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “To keep agriculture strong, we need to invest in our next generation of farmers. I’m proud that the State Fair is recognizing the hard work of the youth who show livestock each year, and is encouraging them to continue their education.”

The scholarships can be used at universities, community colleges and technical schools. The application package is available at www.ncstatefair.org. People with questions about the scholarship program should contact Neil Bowman, State Fair livestock show director, at 919-270-7094 or neil.bowman@ncagr.gov.

Completed applications are due at the N.C. State Fair office or postmarked by April 1.

The scholarships are funded by sponsors of the annual N.C. State Fair Junior Livestock Sale of Champions. The number of scholarships awarded each year will be based on qualified applicants and funds available from the previous year’s Sale of Champions. Because of strong support of the 2014 sale, up to 24 scholarships valued at $2,000 each will be awarded this year.

For more on how individuals and organizations can support the 2015 Junior Livestock Sale of Champions or the scholarship program, contact Wesley Wyatt, State Fair manager, at wesley.wyatt@ncagr.gov or 919-821-7400; or Angie Crone, sponsorship director, at angie.crone@ncagr.gov or 919-839-4514.