The Mycogen Seeds 2018-19 Turn the Bag Blue & Gold program focuses on a comprehensive learning platform that provides foundational agronomic principles and professional sales training to FFA students. As part of the program, students can raise funds for their local FFA chapter, state FFA associations and National FFA Organization. 

“We are not only dedicated to our farmers’ growth but also the growth of young agricultural leaders,” says Blake Courtney, Mycogen marketing communications manager. “Last year, we piloted the program with six FFA chapters across corn-growing regions, donating more than $35,000 to local FFA chapters, the National FFA organization and their respective state FFA associations.”

Students will hit the field this fall, putting their skills to work. In collaboration with their local Mycogen territory manager and local retailer, participating FFA members will offer corn hybrids that fit local geographies, including two Mycogen brand TMF silage hybrids. Farmers can purchase seed through FFA members and receive their Mycogen brand seed in a specially branded Mycogen blue-and-gold bag.

Real-life experience

Matt Porter, a Mycogen territory manager, says the experience is invaluable and provides students with real-life, in-the-trenches experience.

“It’s one thing to learn about agronomy or professional sales techniques in a classroom, but this program takes that experience to a new level by asking students to incorporate their learnings in the field,” Porter says. “Last year, I worked with the York, Nebraska, FFA chapter, and it was rewarding to see those students interact with farmers and follow the curriculum.”

Farmers interested in supporting the program and their local FFA chapter can contact one of the following 2018-19 FFA chapter participants or corresponding Mycogen retailer partners:

“As part of the Turn the Bag Blue & Gold program process, students started getting more interested in careers in agriculture,” says Jason Hirschfield, FFA advisor in York. “Whether they go into agronomy or not, they are at least asking the ‘what ifs,’ and that, I believe, is powerful.”

Source: Mycogen Seeds