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(coop) D _d INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF AG LEADERS After her own agronomy career got a jumpstart from Co-op's Excellence in Ag Program, Sara Verge is now happy to be paying it forward. Verge was a student in the program for three years and has mentored a new student in the program t] summer. “itwas a fantastic opportunity that really furthered my career. l'm happy to have the opportunity to give back, by taking what | learned and passing it on," Verge said. Verge grew up on a farm east of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. She applied to the Excellence in Ag Program in 2015, during her first year of study at the University of Saskatchewan, while working at Lake Country Co-op. “Our local Co-op encouraged me to apply. They had never had an Excellence in Ag student in our association, and it seemed like à fantastic opportunity," Verge said. She was accepted. The Excellence in Ag Program supported her with a scholarship and summer employment at Lake Country Co-op while she finished school. “Not only was it a scholarship, but it was a learning opportunity with guaranteed summer employment in the local community where | wanted to be, and where | saw a future for myself," said Verge. At the same time, the program required her commitment. “Each summer there were targeted courses and set goals to achieve, and it really pushed me outside of my comfort zone, to learn and expand my knowledge,” she said. TO Students accepted into the Excellence in Ag Program can earn up to $16,000 in scholarships over four years, gain valuable work exper paid internships at a local Co-op retail location, and are eligible for post-graduation career opportunities. nce each summer through “Through this program, Co-op invests in the next generation of ag leaders, helps build sustainable ag communities, and creates a pool of talent for full- time agronomy positions,” explained Karen Dow, Manager, Agronomic Development with Federated Co-op Limited. “It's a great initiative for young people Looking for a head start pursuing an ag-related career." After graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 2018, Verge was hired full-time at Lake Country Co-op as a Grow Team member, then moved into the role of Crop Supplies Manager last autumn She also continues to be involved in her family's farm, a mixed beef cattle and grain operation. “In our community, Co-op is the ag business, the fuel business, the grocery store 19 years, finishing just a few years before | started Our family is deeply connected to Co-op, and we‘ve always had a great connection with our Fuel and Agro My dad worked here for Managers," Verge said. Through the Excellence in Ag Program Verge gained valuable experiences and developed strong relationships with customers, lessons she now has the opportunity to pass on as a mentor. The new student came to Prince Albert from her hometown of Swift Current, which has a different climate, different crops, and a different set of challenges. Verge said, “1 was excited to give her the opportunity to learn more about how we farm here." In her present work, Verge contributes to her local Co-op's aspirations for growth. “We‘ve got such a fantastic customer base. Our goal is to continue to grow that, whether through a wider demographic, or by seeking out more customers in our territory. We're always aiming to grow and serve customers better, providing the tools they need to be successful," she said For high school graduates and university students looking to enrich their ag education, the Excellence in Ag Program provides great learning opportunities with career potential. “Under the umbrella of the Co-operative Retailing System, there are so many possible career paths and opportunities—whether in agronomy, sales, management, or more," said Verge. “This really is a fantastic learning opportunity." Every year, the Co-operative Retailing System welcomes up to four new students into the Co- op Excellence in Ag Program, a comprehensive scholarship package for students studying agriculture and agribusiness. Applications for this year's Excellence in Ag Program are due September 15, 2022