To apply, complete an online application at by November 1, 2024
At the 2025 NYS Ag Society Forum, Ambassador Scholars – 18-25 years old – will meet leaders like NYS Ag & Mkts Commissioner Richard Ball. The program, kicking off 1/8/25 offers 3-days of leadership training and networking without cost to participants. Apply before 11/1/24 at (Courtesy photo)
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Donors to the NYS Agricultural Society Foundation are sponsoring a cadre of young adults ages 18 to 25 to attend the 2025 NYS Ag Society Annual Forum and to participate in three days of intensive professional development training and touring. Program dates are January 8 –10, 2025. Now in its 11th year, the Ambassador Scholar program has produced over 120 alumni who are teachers, researchers, business owners, policymakers, consultants, and more. Competitively selected, Ambassadors are passionate about agriculture and food. Whether in college or newly employed, they are eager to engage with supply chain decision-makers, dive deep into industry issues, build hard business skills and grow a professional network.
The 193rd Annual Meeting & Forum of the NYS Agricultural will take place at the Syracuse OnCenter January 9, 2025. The Forum theme is “Trends, Tech & Teachable Moments.” Attendees, representing a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders, will get a glimpse of the macro trends and new technologies that are changing the landscape of the agriculture and food system. Producer panelists will discuss how their decision-making is evolving to balance lessons learned with emerging opportunities for early adopters. In addition to the day’s educational program, Commissioner Richard Ball of the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets will present his State of NY Agriculture Address and honorees in eight categories will be recognized. The Forum is sponsored by the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, CALS at Cornell University, Farm Credit East and the NYS Agricultural Society Foundation, Employed by the Reagan Companies in Commercial Marketing, Kierra Kenyon is a SUNY Morrisville graduate.
An Agricultural Business Development major, she took advantage of many professional development opportunities including the Ambassador Program. “Being an Ambassador allowed me to make connections with various types of agricultural organizations, and develop mentor relationships,” said Kierra. “The program also allowed me to network with like-minded peers from across the state in college programs much like my own. Sharing experiences, interests, and the opportunity to be connected for a lifetime with my Ambassador cohort are what make this program incredible!”
For the 2025 Ambassador Class, the NYS Agricultural Society Foundation welcomes previous participants to reapply for a second-year experience as well as those new to the program. All meeting expenses and overnight accommodations are paid for by the NYS Ag Society Foundation. To apply, complete an online application at by November 1, 2024.
Established in 2011 by the NYS Agricultural Society, the NYS Agricultural Society Foundation’s mission is to foster, promote, and improve the NYS food and agricultural industry through education, leadership development and recognition programs. It is a 501(c)3 organization and its charitable funds are managed by the Central NY Community Foundation.
–NYS Agricultural Society
link