West Rowan High School’s Future Farmers of America chapter was recently awarded a grant as part of Carolina Farm Credit’s Corporate Mission Fund.

The grant will be used to buy a small equine stall barn and tack area. This area will provide students interested in equine science education the opportunity to learn more about equine medicine and care.

Some $144,000 was awarded to 27 local organizations and eight college students in 2016, an increase from the $100,000 awarded in 2015.

Carolina Farm Credit is a stockholder-owned cooperative providing financing to full and part-time farmers and agricultural-related businesses and also provides financing for the construction and purchase of homes in 54 counties through 32 branch offices. Other financial services available are credit life insurance, appraisal services, leasing programs and financial planning.