RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - With the average of the North Carolina farmer hitting 59, the state's Agriculture Department has embarked on a new effort to recruit and train young people in the business.

The N.C. State Fair Youth Livestock Scholarship Program is designed for high school seniors and students currently enrolled in an institute of higher education who have participated in the junior livestock or market turkey shows at the N.C. State Fair.

As many as two dozen scholarships valued at $2,000 will be awarded.

“To keep agriculture strong, we need to invest in our next generation of farmers," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler in a statement. "I’m proud that the State Fair is recognizing the hard work of the youth who show livestock each year, and is encouraging them to continue their education.”

The scholarships can be used at universities, community colleges and technical schools. The application package is available online at www.ncstatefair.org.