The Class Of 2024 Celebrates The 20th-Year Of Farm Credit Agriculture Scholars

On Thursday, May 23, 2024, the Class of 2024 Farm Credit agriculture scholars were recognized during a scholarship luncheon at Carriage House Event Center in Altamont, Ill.

A total of $75,000 of scholarships were awarded to 30 high school seniors. Each scholar receives $2,500 from FCI to pursue a degree within the field of agriculture. Twenty-six of the students attended the recognition program.

This marks the twentieth year of the Farm Credit agriculture scholarship program, which has awarded nearly $800,000 to 506 students in central and southern Illinois since 2004. Scholarship selections are based on participation and leadership contributions within school and community organizations, a genuine passion for farming and agriculture, and a commitment to pursuing an agriculture-related career.

“Farm Credit Illinois is proud to invest in tomorrow’s agricultural leaders,” says Rod Stoll, vice president of marketplace engagement for FCI. “These scholars will support our mission of Helping Farm Families Succeed by applying their passion for agriculture in careers that shape the future of the industry and rural America.”

Macoupin County had two recipients awarded the 2024 FCI Scholarship:

Michael Matesa of Staunton, Macoupin County, is the son of Chad and Julie Matesa. Matesa graduated from Staunton High School and will attend Southern Illinois University of Carbondale (SIUC) to study Agribusiness Economics.

Dale Magelitz of Virden, Macoupin County, is the son of Larry and JoAnna Magelitz. Magelitz graduated from North Mac High School and will attend WyoTech to study Diesel Technology.

Farm Credit Illinois (FCI) is an agricultural financial cooperative owned by 18,900 farmer, rural landowner, and agribusiness voting stockholder members in the southern 60 counties of Illinois. Dedicated to Helping Farm Families Succeed, FCI provides competitive and flexible financing, crop insurance expertise, and Rural 1st country life lending. FCI manages a $6 billion loan portfolio, sells 1.5 million acres of crop insurance coverage, and employs 280 staff in the Mahomet headquarters at 14 regional offices. The Association will return $40 million of 2023 earnings as cash patronage to member-borrowers in 2024. The U.S. Farm Credit System is a network of locally owned cooperatives supporting rural communities, farm families, and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services today and tomorrow.