Knox County Student Completes Prestigious IFAL Program at UK

Knox County’s own Jazmily Blakely, a rising high school senior, recently returned home after successfully completing IFAL, the Institute of Future Agricultural Leaders which is a summer leadership program sponsored by Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation, Knox County Farm Bureau Federation, and the University of Kentucky.

Jazmily’s application was selected by the Knox County Farm Bureau Federation and Kentucky Farm Bureau as one of forty-five Kentucky students to attend a June 22–26 program introducing high school juniors to university life and careers in agriculture and leadership.

Throughout the program, Jazmily lived in one of the university dorms, attended college-style lectures, visited UK’s agriculture research farms, and participated in firsthand learning activities that highlighted the importance of innovation within Kentucky’s agriculture industry.

IFAL offers students experience in agricultural policy, university faculty, and agriscience. The IFAL program is sponsored by Kentucky Farm Bureau with the University of Kentucky and other partners.

The Knox County Farm Bureau is proud of Jazmily’s success in completing IFAL thus continuing the strong tradition of supporting youth leadership and educational development within our community. 

Programs like IFAL help students gain confidence and prepare for leadership in agriculture, especially within the Kentucky Farm Bureau Young Farmers Program. This group supports young adults (ages 18-35) through networking, competitions, service projects, and leadership training, and  enabling them to become effective agricultural leaders and advocates.