County Fairs Connect Businesses with Future Ag Leaders

Specialty Risk Insurance is using community events and internships to support young people in agriculture.

CARTHAGE, Mo. (RFD News) — Community fairs are underway across the country, providing an opportunity to showcase local agriculture and support young people in the industry.

Philip Solum with Specialty Risk Insurance joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to discuss how the company is getting involved and investing in the next generation of agriculture.

In his conversation with RFD News, Solum said the company spends time at county fairs, livestock shows, and other agricultural events because it sees young people as the future leaders of rural communities.

He also highlighted the company’s internship program, which included seven interns this year. Solum said about 30 percent of participants return to work for the business.

Related Stories
Foster Love With Beef gives ranchers a way to support foster families in their communities.
Rupa Mehta discusses her journey from New York City to rural Pennsylvania and her work telling stories about farm mental health, safety, and agriculture.
Dunn reflects on growing up in rural Colorado and the influence FFA still has on her career.
The statewide network will bring researchers and producers together to test new technology.
The three-day tour highlights the work behind one of Georgia’s major crops.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold says AI can improve access to information but should not replace health care professionals.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Some lower-quality farms are failing to sell as buyers remain willing to pay for better ground.
A bipartisan Senate bill would also seek to speed up permitting for energy and infrastructure projects.
Lawmakers say import surges are driving down U.S. avocado prices and threatening domestic production.
Wet weather has delayed harvest, forcing some processors to pay more for available local soybeans.
Farmers who bought fertilizer early for the 2026 crop may not have the same advantage next year.
Industry officials expect few supply issues unless widespread grain drying drives a surge in demand.
Planes are dispersing sterile flies in targeted areas of Mexico and New Mexico
USDA is also reviewing concerns over how well the program reflects current dairy conditions.
Farmers could spend thousands more on diesel despite new federal relief aimed at fuel costs.
Farm Bureau says data centers are critical to agriculture, but farmland loss must be considered.
Large family farms make up just 5% of operations but produce half of U.S. agricultural value.
One Tennessee grower says deer damage costs his operation $10,000 to $25,000 annually.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Opry Live is the premier weekly broadcast and livestream of the Grand Ole Opry, featuring country music superstars, legends, and rising talent performing on stage in Nashville.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.