Youth Programs
Indiana Farm Bureau is proud to support the future of agriculture.
Through scholarships, leadership opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences, Indiana Farm Bureau helps equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in agriculture and beyond.
4-H Legacy Award
The 4-H Legacy Award recognizes a young person’s long-term commitment to 4-H through their years of active involvement and the impressive scope of projects they’ve completed. It celebrates not only their personal growth and achievements but also their meaningful contributions to 4-H, their community, and the agricultural industry. By highlighting these exemplary members, the award aims to motivate others to embrace the 4-H experience and create their own legacy of leadership and service.
One 4-H Legacy Award will be presented per county. Winners will be determined by the greatest number of years in 4-H combined with the total projects completed, ensuring we honor those who have demonstrated the deepest commitment to the program. The winner will receive a custom banner and small gift which a county Farm Bureau representative may present at the local awards program.
GenConnect
Youth Leadership Program
GenConnect, Indiana Farm Bureau's new youth leadership program, cultivates the next generation of agricultural leaders by bridging experienced wisdom with youthful innovation. This six-month program pairs high school students with seasoned Farm Bureau members to foster meaningful connections, develop leadership skills, and honor agricultural traditions while embracing new ideas and evolving technologies.
Through hands-on learning, guided conversations, and leadership challenges, participants will explore the foundations of agricultural success, work ethic, stewardship and community engagement – while gaining exposure to modern agricultural practices and forward-thinking solutions. GenConnect prepares students to confidently lead the future of Indiana agriculture.
Program Overview
| June 19 (In Person) | Building Your Message: In Person, Online, and On Screen |
| July 27 (In Person) | Leading the Conversation: Advocacy in Action |
| August 16 (Optional) | Service Opportunity: Taste From Indiana Farms at the Indiana State Fair |
| October 22 (Virtual) | Community Engagement Series Updates |
| November 14 (In Person) | Capstone Presentations |
| December 11-12 | Indiana Ag Gathering (recognition for the Outstanding GenConnect Participant) |
Application Process
Current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors may apply beginning April 1, 2026. Applications close on April 30, 2026. Ten youth participants will be accepted into the program. Once youth participants are selected, INFB members from their home county (or surrounding counties) will be recommended by INFB field staff for mentor pairing. Mentors will undergo a background check and complete a mentor application. All participants must confirm availability to participate in the entirety of the program.
Ag Literacy Challenge Grant
Empowering Indiana FFA & 4-H to Grow Ag Literacy in their Communities
Indiana runs on agriculture, yet too many consumers are disconnected from it. The Ag Literacy Challenge Grant gives you the tools to change that. Take the lead, spark connections and grow ag awareness in your community!
Through the Ag Literacy Challenge Grant, we provide funding to Indiana FFA chapters and 4-H clubs that want to launch or expand ag literacy programs in their communities. These projects not only educate consumers but also create stronger connections between farmers, students and local leaders.
FFA and 4-H
Indiana Farm Bureau is a proud supporter of FFA and 4-H. Each year, we support these programs in a number of different ways. Including but not limited to:
- State Officer Candidate Training.
- Hosting FFA Advocacy Day at the Statehouse.
- Inviting members for an industry tour at our home office.
- Sponsoring Premier Leadership Training and the Leadership Development Workshop.
- Sponsoring Indiana 4-H Teen Leadership Weekend.
County Farm Bureaus across Indiana support their local FFA chapters through promoting or sponsoring their events, scholarships, inviting FFA members to come to a county Farm Bureau board meeting, donating to their chapters, and much more. County Farm Bureaus also support 4-H through things like sponsoring events at county fairs, scholarships, and more!
