In 2012, the average age of a farmer was 58.3 years old, continuing a 30-year trend of an increasingly older demographic in agriculture. Recognizing the need to support young farmers, the latest “Thank You Farmers” initiative from Culver's encourages franchisees and the Culver's Support Center in Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin, to sponsor the cost of purchasing FFA jackets for members who otherwise wouldn't be able to own this special attire.

Working alongside the National FFA Organization and Foundation, which develops student leaders and supports the future of agricultural education, Culver's raised nearly $20,000 and will present 153 deserving FFA members with their very own FFA jacket this fall.

This jacket is more than just something students wear; it's representative of the pride, responsibility, and tradition that unites more than 629,000 FFA members across the nation. And every student who puts on his or her jacket does so with a commitment to making the future of agriculture brighter.

“FFA members are an incredibly passionate group of people who do so much to better the agricultural community,” says David Stidham, vice president of marketing at Culver's. “We're proud to support these young folks today, so they can lead us tomorrow.”

Following the student nominations made by FFA advisors, Culver's is working with the National FFA Foundation to match deserving members with local restaurants. Later this year, the blue jackets will be shipped to FFA advisors, so they can present them to selected students.