Ag Certificate Programs
Up to $8,000 in scholarships available to pursue an agricultural certificate and train for a career.
MFA supports higher education opportunities that provide hands-on training for students while they earn an agricultural-based certificate. We currently offer MFA-sponsored programs at North Central Community College in Trenton, Mo., and State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Mo.
Equip your future with a career in custom application
MFA Incorporated is partnering with North Central Missouri College in Trenton and State Fair Community College in Sedalia to provide a one-year certificate that will equip students with the advanced knowledge, training and confidence they need to succeed as skilled custom applicators in agriculture.
Students in these programs will receive hands-on education and learn in-depth skills from elite educators and MFA industry professionals in areas such as sprayers, spreaders, mechanics, agronomy, safety, compliance and customer partnering.
MFA-sponsored students who are accepted into the certificate program are awarded an $8,000 scholarship in exchange for 18 months of full-time employment with MFA beyond graduation. And because these colleges are A+ Scholarship schools, students who are eligible for those funds may use them in addition to the MFA stipend.
These programs might be a fantastic fit if you want to:
- Gain a fast track to the ag workforce
- Work in agriculture & work outdoors
- Operate heavy equipment in a high-demand industry
Program path:
For MFA-specific questions, contact:
Johnnie Goings — 573-876-5209
jgoings@mfa-inc.com
For program-specific questions, contact:
North Central Missouri College
Kurt Meighen — 660-359-3948, ext. 1358
kmeighen@mail.ncmissouri.edu
State Fair Community College
Michael Leonard — 660-596-7402
mleonard4@sfccmo.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
While we can’t guarantee placement in your hometown, MFA has more than 100 locations across Missouri and surrounding states. We make every effort to place applicator scholarship recipients as close to their home community as possible, and we work with each individual to find a location that best aligns with both their goals and our operational needs.
You bet! MFA invests in modern equipment—including GPS-guided sprayers, precision application technology, and user-friendly control systems. You’ll receive hands-on training with this technology, along with classroom instruction, to build both your technical skills and agronomic knowledge. Whether you’re new to ag equipment or have prior experience, we make sure you’re fully trained and supported to succeed in the field.
Starting with the 2025-2026 school year, all applicants will go through a short selection process to ensure the best fit for both the student and MFA. This includes a brief application, followed by a 30-minute virtual interview with an MFA recruiter. The goal of the interview is to get to know you better—your goals, interest in agriculture, and what you’re looking for in a career. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about what it’s like to work at MFA.
The scholarship helps cover tuition and educational expenses, and recipients are given the opportunity to begin a career with MFA upon program completion.
Yes, you are able to apply your A+ funds on top of the scholarship MFA provides.
Yes, scholarship recipients are expected to work with MFA for 18 months after graduation. This is a great opportunity to apply your skills and grow with MFA.
A custom applicator applies crop protection and fertilizer products using specialized equipment. They also become trusted advisors for producers and play a key role in successful farming operations
Absolutely! Many Applicators go on to become location managers, agronomists and key account managers, among other roles. However, many also choose to stay and thrive in the applicator role long-term.
Steps to success:
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Meet Mary Murphy
The high-tech precision application career might be something for you. Tag along with Mary for her day fertilizing and protecting crops for the top farmers in north-central Missouri.
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