If you have a strong interest in farm management and finance, the Farm Credit Fellows Program will help you gain a better understanding of the agricultural credit system and allow you to study special topics in the area of agricultural finance.
The Farm Credit Fellows Program is a special undergraduate program in agricultural finance conducted by the North Dakota State University Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, AgCountry Farm Credit Services in Fargo, N.D. and Farm Credit Services of Mandan. The program is open to Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics and College of Business undergraduates in their sophomore, junior, and senior years at NDSU or University of Minnesota Crookston. Students will apply to the program during the fall semester. Those who are accepted and complete the program are designated as Farm Credit Fellows.
General Requirements for Participation and Completion of the Program
- Farm Credit Fellows will be expected to complete AGEC 246, Finance 320 or equivalent prior to application to the program.
- Students must exhibit strong academic performance
- Farm Credit Fellows participants will be expected to participate in fall and spring education activities at AgCountry Farm Credit Services in Fargo to improve their understanding of the Farm Credit System. These educational activities include:
- On-site training on January 6-8, 2025 at AgCountry in Fargo
- Loan analysis discussions will be held at AgCountry in April 2025 (Date TBD)
- A recommended job shadowing (Date TBD)
- Participants will register for Advanced Agricultural Lending - AGEC 356, which is the Farm Credit Fellows Course for spring Semester 2025. The course is three semester credits and will include lecture and homework exercises to prepare students for a case study. The case study will be a loan application with a financial problem that students will analyze and prepare consulting and credit committee reports. The analysis will be presented to the NDSU instructor(s) and representative(s) from Farm Credit Services.
Note: This course may fulfill an internship needed for some majors. Please check with your advisor.
The Fellowship Grant
Each Farm Credit Fellow will receive a $1,500 grant to help cover lost income during fall and spring orientation and job shadowing dates. It will also help defray cost of course fees and analysis activities.
How to Apply
The NDSU Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics has overall responsibility for the administration of the program. All applications will be reviewed by NDSU faculty and AgCountry representatives.
The Farm Credit Fellows application is available by clicking here. Applications must be submitted by October 21, 2024. Interviews will be held and selections announced by November 2024. All applicants will be notified indicating whether or not they are accepted. The AGEC 356 course syllabus is available by clicking here, or through the NDSU department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics.
Contact 701-231-5747 or erik.drevlow.hanson@ndsu.edu for further information.
