Cargill Meat Solutions Invests in Future Agricultural Leadership

Kansas FFA Foundation - June 19, 2006

Support of Kansas FFA Foundation Provides Student Scholarships and Recognition

Cargill Meat Solutions recently demonstrated its commitment to agricultural leadership development by donating $10,000 to the Kansas FFA Foundation. The donation will provide financial assistance to agricultural students, recognize exceptional FFA members and support various programs that develop skills needed for career success.

With the donation, Cargill Meat Solutions sponsored the Kansas Star in Agribusiness award, which recognized the student with the best supervised agricultural experience program statewide in agribusiness at the state FFA convention on June 2, and will sponsor the state Meats Evaluation and Technology Career Development Event (CDE). The gift will provide support to the foundation's general fund and establish the Genuinely Better" scholarship program for Kansas college students studying agriculture.

Dirk Jones, president of Cargill Pork, says the company's support of the Kansas FFA Foundation represents an investment in the future leadership of Kansas agriculture and the industry's businesses, including Cargill.

"We've seen first hand the leadership and problem-solving skills developed through the FFA and agricultural education in numerous Cargill employees who are former FFA members," Jones said. "The FFA challenges students to apply the knowledge they learn in the classroom in situations similar to what they will experience in the work force, which allows them to positively influence our industry early in their career."

The Meats Evaluation and Technology CDE that Cargill Meat Solutions is sponsoring is an example of that knowledge application. The event challenges students to use analytical skills and critical thinking while evaluating meat products to optimize economic returns to producers and the industry and meet the needs of consumers.

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A portion of the $10,000 contribution from Cargill Meat Solutions will also establish the "Genuinely Better" Kansas FFA Foundation Scholarship Program, which will award six scholarships - one $1,500 award, three $1,000 scholarships, and two $600 scholarships - to college juniors or seniors enrolled at a 4-year university and majoring in agriculture. The selection criterion includes active participation in the students' school, community and the agricultural industry.

Students can apply for the Genuinely Better Kansas FFA Foundation scholarships by submitting a resume, copy of their most recent university transcript, two letters of reference, and a 750-word essay highlighting an experience where the student has influenced an organization, group or community by making it "genuinely better." Applications should be mailed to the Kansas FFA Foundation no later than August 15, 2006.

John Niemann, chair of the Kansas FFA Foundation board and assistant vice president, business manager for Cargill Meat Solutions, says the FFA and Cargill Meat Solutions partnership benefits both students and the agricultural industry.

"The support of Cargill Meat Solutions lays a foundation for the continued advancement and success of the Kansas FFA Association, which ensures agricultural students will have opportunities to grow personally and develop leadership ability," Niemann says. "As a member of the Kansas FFA Foundation board, I can express the foundation's gratitude for Cargill Meat Solution's commitment to FFA and agricultural education."

To learn more about Cargill Meat Solutions, visit www.cargillmeatsolutions.com.

About the Kansas FFA Foundation

The Kansas FFA Foundation supports the quality of agricultural education programs, rewards FFA members and advisors, and builds support from FFA alumni, parents, and friends. By developing and sustaining collaborative relationships that result in financial support and service opportunities, the foundation has established a vision to serve a purpose, give with passion, and grow the legacy. More information about the foundation is available at www.ksffa.org.