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Proficiency Award, Community Development, Convention Workshop, Stars Over Kansas

Farm Credit Associations Make the Stars Shine Bright for Kansas FFA Foundation

Farm Credit Associations of Kansas Become Foundation’s First “Five Star” Donor

GARNETT, Kan. (May 10, 2006) — Farm Credit Associations of Kansas recently announced a donation of $10,000 to the Kansas FFA Foundation in support of the Kansas FFA “Stars Over Kansas” program. The donation makes the Farm Credit Associations of Kansas the foundation’s first five-star donor, reaching the highest level of donor recognition given by the organization. Contributing to the donation are Frontier Farm Credit, Farm Credit of Central Kansas, High Plains Farm Credit, Farm Credit of Southwest Kansas, Farm Credit of Ness City, and Farm Credit of Western Kansas.

“Stars Over Kansas” recognizes the best supervised agricultural experience programs in the state and awards three members with the recognition of Star Farmer, Star in Agribusiness and Star in Ag Placement. As award recipients’ programs grow, they will have the opportunity to apply for the American FFA Degree and compete for National FFA Organization star awards.

Doug Hofbauer, president and CEO of Frontier Farm Credit, says supporting the state FFA association complements the goals and vision of Frontier Farm Credit to promote a growing and prosperous rural economy.

“As a former agricultural education instructor, I’ve personally seen students gain leadership skills and hands-on job experience through Ag Ed and FFA involvement. We’re helping provide young people with positive experiences and leadership opportunities that will directly help them be successful when they enter the workforce,” Hofbauer says.

The recent $10,000 donation is in addition to previous sponsorships of the state association’s National Chapter Community Development award, a leadership workshop at the Kansas FFA Convention, and the Agricultural Service proficiency award. Farm Credit Service of Southwest Kansas also made a separate donation to the foundation. In total, the associations have given more than $12,000 to support the Kansas FFA and agricultural education.

Scott Stockwell, president and CEO of Farm Credit in Ness City, grew up a banker’s son without a personal FFA experience, but recognizes the value the student organization brings to the ag industry.

“FFA provides students with training and experiences that develop real-life skills, which will help them lead our business and other parts of the agricultural industry. I’m proud that we’re able to help make students’ experiences a little better and help recognize some of the best of the best FFA programs in the state,” Stockwell said.

An official check presentation in honor of the donation will be held at the 78 th State FFA Convention on June 2, in Manhattan, Kan. Providing funds to enhance convention is one of the goals of the state foundation.

Jerrod Westfahl, chair of the foundation’s board for trustees, says the support of the Farm Credit Associations of Kansas helps the foundation achieve its goal to provide new and improved programs and opportunities for members of the Kansas FFA.

“We’re appreciative of the generosity and commitment the Farm Credit Associations have given the Kansas FFA Foundation in just the past few months,” says Jerrod Westfahl, chair of the foundation’s board of trustees. “The Farm Credit Associations of Kansas recognize the value of the Kansas FFA and quickly answered the foundation's call for a financial partnership that benefits agricultural youth in our state. Farm Credit is a model partner of agricultural education and youth leadership development.”

Kansas Farm Credit Associations also support agricultural students through scholarship programs. The mission of the Farm Credit System is to provide financial products and services that enhance agriculture and rural America. To locate a Farm Credit Association near you, visit http://www.usagbank.com/locations.html.