Keystone Cooperative selects students for ag career program
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Six graduating high school students in Indiana will soon begin a new agriculture career development program offered by Keystone Cooperative.
The farmer-owned cooperative’s two-year SEED (“Securing Experience and Employee Development”) program is geared toward recent high school graduates and FFA members who do not plan to enroll in college. The graduates chosen will receive full-time employment and benefits, on-the-job training, and professional accreditations and certifications paid by Keystone.
“SEED is a boots-on-the-ground learning experience for someone who would rather get to work than sit in class,” Keystone CEO Kevin Still said in a news release. “This new model of employee development is not only building a stronger rural workforce. We’re also creating opportunities for the next generation to build meaningful careers in the communities their families have called home for generations.”
The following students make up the first group chosen and will begin in June:
- Ava Coddington, Northeastern High School, Northeastern-Wayne FFA
- Brent Harvey, Rensselaer High School, Rensselaer Central FFA
- Clay Hadden, Indiana Agriculture & Technology School, Indiana Ag & Tech FFA
- Eliza Uliczny, Fishers High School, Hamilton Southeastern FFA
- Koby Bahler, Tri-County High School, Tri-County FFA
- Shelby McGhee, Danville Community High School, Danville FFA
Through a series of rotations, the students will learn about the various aspects of the cooperative. Topics include grain, energy, animal nutrition and agronomy. At the end of the program participants will find opportunities for full-time careers, the co-op said.
“Being able to forge these relationships with young agriculture leaders so early in their careers is a unique opportunity, and one we hold at high esteem,” said Keystone board chair Bill Peters of Sharpsville. “These students are trusting us to provide a solid foundation to build the rest of their careers on. We’re glad to offer this opportunity that will have positive impacts on them, their coworkers and Keystone member-owners, both today and into the future.”
National FAA Organization members interested in applying in 2025 can find more information at www.keystonecoop.com/careers/seed.
Indianapolis-based Keystone Cooperative Inc. is a 100% farmer-owned cooperative serving customers across Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Illinois. It formed earlier this year when Indianapolis-based Co-Alliance Cooperative Inc. and Ceres Solutions Cooperative Inc. in Crawfordsville merged, Inside INdiana Business reported.