Gemperle Family Farms announces new scholarship fund

The holiday season is about more than Santa Claus, Christmas parties and eggnog; it's about giving back. The Gemperle Family has announced the new Gemperle Family Farms Scholarship Fund to help fund higher education for children and grandchildren of Gemperle Farms employees.
"Helping our employees send their kids to college is one of the greatest gifts of gratitude we can give to those who have helped make our company successful," Gemperle Family Farms President Steve Gemperle said. "When you change someone's life with education, you have an impact for generations to come."
The company recognizes the vital need for higher education in local Stanislaus County, where only 16 percent of adults over 25 have a college degree while the remainder of California averages around 32 percent. The company feels a responsibility to help resolve this discrepancy and has pledged up to $10,000 in scholarship funds in 2016.
"We are hoping our scholarship program can serve as a model for other medium-sized companies in Stanislaus County. A lot of work needs to be done to help bridge the gap between Stanislaus County and the rest of the state," Gemperle stressed. "We hope other businesses will partner with the Stanislaus Community Foundation to help families with limited financial means afford higher education."
Awards for scholarship will range from $1,000 to $3,000 per year and are available to all current employees who have been employed for a minimum of three continuous years. The applicant must attend an accredited two or four-year college or university, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and maintain a continuous, full-time enrollment of at least 12 units per semester.
"The majority of our employees have been with us for over five years. While we already offer a generous employment package with paid vacation and holidays, health insurance and a profit-sharing and pension plan for retirement, we knew we could do more," Gemperle explained.
To find out more information or to submit an application, please visit www.StanislausCF.org. The Stanislaus Community Foundation Scholarship Committee, an independent community and volunteer organization, will review and select the final applicants. Finalists will be selected based on financial need, academic merit and personal statement.

DSM makes gift pledge to support the Giesen Internship Program

The Poultry Science Association Foundation (PSA Foundation) is pleased to announce the DSM Nutritional Products (DSM) gift pledge for the support of the Andrew F. Giesen III Undergraduate Internship Program (Giesen Undergraduate Internship Program) and the PSA Foundation. DSM’s very generous gift was announced during the recent annual meeting of the Poultry Science Association (PSA) held in Louisville, KY at the PSA Foundation Donor Reception.
The gift will be allocated 50 percent to the Giesen Undergraduate Internship Program and 50 percent to other programs of the PSA Foundation over a 10-year period. The pledge of DSM is a visionary gift for the education of talented undergraduate and graduate students interested in science, through the PSA Foundation Charting Our Course – Securing Future Leadership for Poultry Campaign (Capital Campaign). DSM’s gift was made possible by the involvement of DSM employees Terry Torrance, Marc DeBeer, Ph.D. and James W. Kessler, Ph.D.
The Giesen Undergraduate Internship Program is program designed to match outstanding undergraduates interested in exploring career options in poultry science with companies and organizations that produce or are otherwise affiliated with the poultry industry.

Competition begins for College Aggies Online scholarship

On Sept. 28, the Animal Agriculture Alliance launched its annual College Aggies Online Scholarship Program (CAO), which is designed to help college students with an interest in agriculture become confident, positive and proactive communicators. The Alliance is welcoming a team of industry experts to advise and mentor students throughout the eight-week program.
"This year's College Aggies Online participants are really in for a rewarding experience," said Alliance President and CEO Kay Johnson Smith. "We are looking forward to helping connect future leaders in agriculture to our expert panel, which consists of experienced and renowned individuals in diverse fields, including online engagement, consumer communications, public policy and digital media."
Program mentors include:

• Kristina Butts is a Texas native and alumna of Texas Tech University. She has spent the past 12 years serving agriculture through roles on Capitol Hill and with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. As NCBA's executive director of legislative affairs, she leads the organization's legislative engagement on nutrition and food safety policy issues and leads a team who represent America's cattlemen and women on Capitol Hill.
• Ilina Ewen writes at Dirt & Noise and is a seasoned marketer with 25 years of marketing, brand strategy, communications, and writing experience. Her experience on both the agency and client side of marketing communications affords her a keen understanding of both perspectives. She has an M.S. in integrated marketing communications from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and a B.A. in history from the University of Virginia.
• Lisa M. Frame is a freelance writer, social media strategist and blogger who currently lives just outside of Charlotte, NC. Blogging since 2002, Lisa has written on assignment for The Savvy Source, Intel, MomLogic, Home Made Simple, Safely, Life 360, Tech Savvy Mama and more. When she's not wearing the keys off of her laptop, she's behind a camera lens or obsessing over her Pinterest boards. 
• Casey Hushon is an account supervisor with Charleston|Orwig, an integrated marketing communications agency in Hartland, Wisconsin. Casey has been with C|O for the past 8 years where she has held numerous roles in public relations and account service. She is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in dairy science and a minor in professional writing. Casey hails from Maine where her family still resides. Her aunt, uncle and cousins own and operate Castonguay Ayrshires, a dairy farm that ignited her passion for the industry at a young age.
• Rebecca Shaw is the dairy marketing specialist at Cargill Animal Nutrition. She grew up working on her grandparents' 200-cow dairy farm, and currently works on her family's calf and heifer raising operations. She is a 2014 graduate of Penn State with a degree in agribusiness management, and has since been very involved with social media and advocacy of the dairy an agricultural industries. Rebecca posts about agriculture on a blog, Facebook page and Instagram under the name "The Cow Chronicler."
• Andy Vance began his career in farm media as a college intern in Columbus, Ohio, and spent ten years as a broadcast journalist at WRFD-AM, the Buckeye Ag Radio Network and ABN Radio. During his time behind the microphone, he became a noted authority on the use of digital and social media in agriculture.  In 2010, Andy made the transition to print media when he joined Feedstuffs as a contributor and blogger. Today, in addition to writing, podcasting and speaking, Andy designs multi-platform campaigns for advertisers reaching an agricultural audience via Feedstuffs, National Hog Farmer and BEEF Magazine.
• Krissa Welshans works as a staff editor for Feedstuffs covering livestock and feed news. Krissa holds a B.S. in animal science from Michigan State University and an M.S. in public policy from New England College. Before joining Feedstuffs, Krissa worked for the National Pork Producers Council and the Animal Agriculture Alliance. Krissa and her husband live in Marlette, Michigan and are actively involved in the beef industry. 

The Alliance is pleased to welcome back Tyson Foods, Inc. as a CAO sponsor for 2015. Tyson Foods has supported CAO each year since 2013.
"We are thrilled to have Tyson Foods involved with College Aggies again this year," said Hannah Thompson, Alliance communications director. "From inviting program winners to its Arkansas headquarters to donating a truckload of protein to the community on behalf winning club from the food drive challenge, the Tyson Foods team goes above and beyond to help make this program something very special."
This fall's competition will include new, creative assignments, increased participant interaction with industry experts, and a more comprehensive internship and career database. Individuals and collegiate agriculture clubs can compete in challenges ranging from writing blogs and engaging with stakeholders using social media, to volunteering at food banks and hosting events on their college campuses.
The final points from the weekly challenges will be tallied in November 2015 and the club with the most points will receive a $5,000 scholarship, national recognition and a trip for two representatives to attend the Alliance's annual Stakeholders Summit in May. The first place individual will win a $2,500 scholarship and a trip to Summit. Scholarships and recognition will also be awarded to the first and second runner-up clubs as well as to the second and third placing individuals.
To learn more about the competition and how to sign up, please visit the Alliance website.
In addition to Tyson Foods, CAO 2015 sponsors include: Dairy Management, Inc., National Pork Producers Council Foundation, United Soybean Board, National Turkey Federation, Ohio Poultry Association and the American Dairy Science Association.

College Aggies Online program entering seventh year

The College Aggies Online (CAO) scholarship program has returned for its seventh year, with the individual scholarship competition set to begin later in September.
Initiated by the Animal Agriculture Alliance, College Aggies Online connects college students from across the United States who are interested in promoting agriculture. Participants receive training and instructions from industry experts and engage on social media by posting information about current and emerging issues facing the agriculture industry and telling personal stories.
The CAO club competition is already underway, but there is still time for clubs to sign up. Meanwhile the individual competition will begin on September 28. To sign up for the CAO program, visit the College Aggies Online website.
Students will compete for more than $20,000 in cash and prizes. The top three clubs and individuals will each receive scholarships and an opportunity to attend the Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit. Mini scholarships and contests will be held throughout the program.
The individual competition will include nine weeks of posting on social media, networking with other students and mentors, and completing assignments. Those assignments comprise of webinars hosted by industry experts, writing blog posts, creating infographics, visiting legislators, giving speeches and creating visitors. Program mentors will advise students on how to get started on social media and how to find their niche, establishing a good following, coming up with ideas for good content, and answering questions.
Club challenges include hosting an agriculture day on campus, debunking common meat myths, visiting their state capitols and hosting a canned food drive.

NPFDA announces scholarship winners

Every year, the NPFDA Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships to four outstanding students who are enrolled full-time pursuing an agriculture, poultry or food science (related) degree. The NPFDA Scholarship Foundation was established in 1979. Since that time, the Foundation has awarded over $206,000.00 in scholarships to outstanding students. The NPFDA Scholarship Foundation, Inc. is entering its 36^th year of assistance to help build "People Resources" for the poultry and food industries by providing scholarships to students pursuing an education in all fields relating to the poultry industry. It is our goal not only to help students achieve their degrees, but to help students who may become effective leaders in our industry one day.
All land grant colleges and universities throughout the country, along with other qualified schools, receive full details of the scholarship program for circulation to those students who would qualify for consideration each winter for the upcoming academic year. Each student must complete the application, write a one page narrative on their goals and ambitions, and submit these papers with their transcripts. The Foundation has a very dedicated committee who reviews each applicant’s application, letter(s) of recommendation, and the student’s essay on his/her goals and aspirations. It is a long, tenuous process where each student is graded (individually by each committee member) on their goals and aspirations, their extracurricular activities and industry-related activities. We then compile all the committee member ballots and select the top five students. Cash awards go to the top four ($2000 per student). The fifth student chosen will be the alternate student should one of the award recipients not use all of his/her funds (i.e. early graduation).
The Foundation has announced winners of the 2014-2015 NPFDA Scholarship. They are:

• Lesleigh Beer - University of Arkansas Fayetteville; Dale Bumpers College of AFLS; Poultry Science-Albin S. Johnson Memorial Scholarship
• Jake Tench - University of Georgia; Ag Econ/Ag Business- William Manson Family Memorial Scholarship
• Trevor Lee - Auburn University ; Poultry Production - Alfred Schwartz Memorial Scholarship
• Haley Harriman - University of Arkansas;  Poultry Science & Agri Business- NPFDA Scholarship
• Guy Perkins - NCSU; Poultry Science - NPFDA Scholarship

Alternate: Megan Harris - Ohio State University ; Agribusiness and Applied Economics
If you know of someone who is pursuing a degree in Poultry Science, Food Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Economics, etc., please make sure they are made aware of this scholarship program so they may apply for the 2015-2016 scholarship. They may call or write NPFDA for scholarship information at: NPFDA, 2014 Osborne Rd, Saint Marys, GA 31558; PH: 770-535-9901, FAX: 770-535-7385; or e-mail: info@npfda.org.
The foundation would not exist if not for the financial support of our industry. Members and other industry personnel are encouraged to consider aiding in this worthy project. Donations may be sent to the NPFDA office. You may make your donation in memory of an individual - NPFDA will inform the membership and the family of the donation. The foundation and its activities are approved by the IRSand donations are tax exempt.

Elanco offering scholarships for Auburn poultry students

Elanco Animal Health will fund two undergraduate and graduate scholarships for students pursuing degrees in poultry science or food science at Auburn University’s College of Agriculture.  This will be the second year for Elanco’s scholarship program.
The Elanco Undergraduate Leadership Annual Award is a $500 award presented to one underclassman (freshman or sophomore) and one upperclassman (junior or senior) each year. Recipients are selected based on demonstrated leadership capability and financial need.
The Elanco Graduate Seminar Scholar Annual Award is a $500 award presented to two students in the Auburn University Graduate School departmental graduate seminar series and pursuing a degree in poultry science or food science. The program presents one award in the spring and a second award in the fall.
Five awards funded by Elanco have been presented to Auburn University students. Recipients of the Elanco Graduate Seminar Scholar Annual Award are Kurt Perryman, spring 2014; and Kate Meloche, fall 2014. The Elanco Undergraduate Leadership Annual Award upperclassman recipients are Kasey Blore, 2014-15; and Karri Fievet, 2015-16. Austin Lock is the recipient of the 2015-16 underclassman award.
Donald Conner, PhD, professor and department head of Auburn University’s Department of Poultry Science said the awards recognize excellence in students pursuing careers in poultry and food science. “Our department’s mission is to educate and equip students to be future leaders and problem solvers for the global food system. These Elanco awards have provided a great means to achieve this goal and the initial recipients represent student excellence in the classroom and beyond. We are grateful to partner with Elanco to make these awards possible,” he said.
According to Dr. Francene Van Sambeek, DVM, MAM, ACPV, associate technical advisor at Elanco, the financial awards complement a long and robust partnership between Elanco and Auburn University’s College of Agriculture. “Alabama ranks third in the nation in U.S. poultry production and Auburn University plays an integral role in developing future poultry and food science professionals,” she said. “We are committed to supporting a legacy of outstanding students committed to helping the world’s poultry producers meet a growing global demand for protein.”
Rob Aukerman, Elanco’s president of U.S. and Canada operations, remarked that universities such as Auburn support Elanco’s commitment to serving as a total solutions provider.  “The ongoing research and field studies conducted at universities support Elanco’s efforts to introduce innovative solutions that meet the needs of producers across the poultry chain,” Aukerman said.
Elanco has committed to funding both awards annually.

House of Raeford awards scholarships to employees' children

House of Raeford is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2015 House of Raeford Farms Scholarships. The scholarship program is available each year for House of Raeford Farms employees’ children and grandchildren who plan to continue their education in college or vocational school programs. This year, 12 students were chosen from Duplin County, NC; Mobile, AL; Cumberland County, NC; Lexington, SC; Lavonia, GA; Ruston, LA; and Greenville, SC to receive the scholarships. Each of this year’s recipients received a $2,500 award.
The students were selected based on a number of criteria including academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, a statement of goals and aspirations and unusual personal or family circumstances.
“This year’s House of Raeford Farms Scholarship recipients make up an impressive group of young scholars and contributing members of our communities,” said Bob Johnson, CEO of House of Raeford Farms. “We are especially proud to be associated with them because they are already part of the House of Raeford extended family. This is what our scholarship program is all about – giving back to our employees and their families in a meaningful way. We are truly appreciative of the contributions they make to the company every day, and it is an honor to be able to make this investment in their families’ futures.”
The 2015 House of Raeford Farms Scholarship recipients are:


• Teliyah Carr –Junior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
• Richard Smith – Freshman at the University of Alabama.
• Amanda Whitfield – Sophmore at Coastal Carolina Community College.
• Savannah Starling – Freshman at North Carolina State University. 
• Rebecca Liles – Freshman at Winthrop University.
• Christine Mejia – Junior at East Carolina University.
• Chandler Guy – Junior at North Carolina Wesleyan College.
• Amelia King – Freshman at Gwinnett Technical College.
• Courtney Axton – Sophmore at Louisiana Delta Community College.
• Kelsey Jones – Sophmore at James Sprunt Community College.
• Kate Brillantes Cummings – Sophmore at University of South Carolina: Upstate.
• Vivian Gomez Mendieta – Freshman at James Sprunt Community College.

House of Raeford awards $8,000 to NC State University students

House of Raeford is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the 2015 Marvin and Grace Johnson Poultry Scholarships. The scholarships are made available to students studying poultry science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University. Chandler Keck of Albemarle and Amanda Wheaton of Dudley were each awarded a scholarship worth $4,000 during a banquet at NC State University in Raleigh in April.
Keck is a rising sophomore and Poultry Science and Animal Science major, and Amanda Wheaton is a rising.
“These high-achieving students represent the future of the poultry industry,” said Bob Johnson, CEO of House of Raeford Farms. “We could not be more proud to support their education and their aspirations. They are what our investments in our future leaders are all about, and we are honored to play a role in their
The scholarship endowment recognizes the contributions of E. Marvin Johnson and his wife, Grace Powell Johnson, to the poultry and food industries. Johnson Poultry Scholarships have been provided to eight NC State students since the fall of 2009. Marvin Johnson’s family founded what is today House of Raeford Farms, Inc., which sells chicken products and operates grow out operations and processing facilities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Louisiana.
Priority for the scholarships is given to applicants from communities where the Company has processing and farm operations. In addition to tuition and fees, scholarship recipients have the opportunity to participate in summer internships coordinated by House of Raeford Farms and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

House of Raeford Farms awards $35,000 in college scholarships

House of Raeford Farms has awarded $35,000 in college scholarships to 14 children of its associates across the southeastern United States. This was the first time the organization had offered the program which will assist students in the 2014–2015 school year.
The board of directors of House of Raeford Farms’ FLOCK, a non-profit organization serving House of Raeford associates as well as local communities, and the experienced staff of its partner Scholarship Management Services made the selections from 29 applicants based on a variety of criteria.
There was at least one scholarship given from all of the company’s complexes and plants that were operating at the beginning of 2014.
“Our company has made a concerted effort to touch the lives of young people and provide assistance as they strive to be successful in their life pursuits”, said Bob Johnson, president and CEO of the company. “We hope this scholarship program will be a valuable resource as these students seek to achieve their dreams.”
Based on early responses from scholarship winners, the financial assistance seems to have made a significant difference in people’s lives. Details regarding scholarships for the 2015–2016 academic year will be announced in the spring of 2015.

Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch boosts scholarship program

U.S. egg producer Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch has given $50,000 to the Saranac Promise Scholarship Program, a program aimed at helping graduates from the community school system in Saranac, Michigan, earn degrees from two-year and four-year colleges. The donation was presented by Terry and Greg Herbruck, both graduates of Saranac Community Schools.
One of the goals of the Saranac Promise program is to open the doors to higher education for Saranac graduates. By easing the financial burden of students, committee members and district staff hope more students will opt to further their education after high school.
“We want to provide all children with the opportunity to further develop their academic and/or vocational skills. We want to build a college-going culture in the community of Saranac so that every child can have the expectation and opportunity to attend college or a vocational school after high school graduation,” Saranac Community Schools Superintendent Maury Geiger told the Ionia Sentinel-Standard.
Geiger and members of the Saranac Promise Committee hope to offer limited scholarships to all 2016 graduates. In 2016, each graduate is expected to receive as much as $1,000 to further their education.
“Full implementation of the Saranac Promise is planned for the graduating class of 2017, with an annual scholarship of up to $4,000,” added Geiger.

Young named Frank Perdue Scholarship Student of the Year at the 2014 USPOULTRY College Student Career Program

Corissa Steimling, left, Penn State University, was the second place winner of the 2014 College Student Career Program Frank Perdue Scholarship Student of the Year award. Taylor Young, right, Penn State University, was winner of the 2014 College Student Career Program Frank Perdue Scholarship Student of the Year award.

Taylor Young, Penn State University, was named the Frank Perdue Scholarship Student of the Year at the annual USPOULTRY College Student Career Program, held in conjunction with the 2014 International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta. The scholarship is named for Frank Perdue, noted for his dedication to aspiring young people studying for careers in the poultry industry, and who for many years would attend the College Student Career Program to interview students.
The College Student Career Program provides undergraduate and graduate students from colleges and universities across the nation and internationally, in multiple disciplines, with the opportunity to interview for jobs and internships with industry and allied companies. These students can also visit the exhibit floor to complement their studies and to see and experience the latest technology and newest innovations in today's poultry and egg production and processing operations.
"There were approximately 500 students from 30 universities throughout the United States at the USPOULTRY College Student Career Program, in addition to 24 students from 14 universities internationally. We are very pleased with the number and quality of applicants, and I know a number of hiring decisions were made at the program," remarked USPOULTRY Chairman Elton Maddox, Wayne Farms, Oakwood, Ga.
The annual program also includes competitions for Club of the Year and Scrapbook of the Year. North Carolina State University was awarded Club of the Year, and Texas A&M University was awarded Scrapbook of the Year.

USPOULTRY Foundation awards $1,050 grant to Iowa State University

Iowa State University recently received a $1,050 student recruiting grant from the USPOULTRY Foundation. The check presentation was made by Paul Hill, chairman of West Liberty Foods and USPOULTRY board member. Accepting the check was Dr. Michael Persia, professor for Iowa State University, along with several Iowa State University students.
"The students at Iowa State University are excited to utilize these generous funds to learn more about leadership within the poultry industry," remarked Dr. Persia.
The USPOULTRY Foundation board recently approved student recruiting grants totaling more than $183,000 to the six U.S. universities with poultry science departments and 14 other institutions with industry-related programs. The Foundation provides annual recruiting funds to colleges and universities to attract students to their poultry programs.

USPOULTRY Foundation allocates $183,520 in student recruiting grants

The USPOULTRY Foundation has approved student recruiting grants totaling approximately $183,520 to the six U.S. universities with poultry science departments and 14 other institutions with industry related programs. The foundation provides annual recruiting and retention funds to colleges and universities to attract students to their poultry programs.
The six university poultry science departments receiving the USPOULTRY Foundation grants are:

• Texas A&M -- $31,557
• North Carolina State -- $21,480
• University of Arkansas  -- $18,377
• Mississippi State -- $17,527
• Auburn University -- $16,251
• University of Georgia -- $14,806
The 14 other institutions with industry related programs receiving recruiting and retention grants under the USPOULTRY Foundation Industry Education Recruitment Funding Program are:

• Penn State University -- $10,000
• Virginia Tech  -- $7,425
• California State University - Fresno  -- $7,000
• Louisiana State University --  $7,000
• University of Delaware  -- $6,515
• Modesto Junior College, California -- $6,300
• Wallace State Community College, Alabama -- $4,500
• University of North Georgia -- $3,130
• Clemson University  -- $3,000
• Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas  -- $3,000
• Ohio State University -- $2,000
• Jones Junior College, Mississippi -- $1,050
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore --  $1,000
The grants to Clemson University, the University of Georgia and the University of North Georgia were made possible by the Leland Bagwell Education and Innovation Fund, established in January by Tommy and Chantal Bagwell. The purpose of the fund is to offer young people opportunities in the poultry industry with a focus on innovation and education, including outreach to lower-income students.
"It is extremely important that we persist in attracting bright young people to study careers in the poultry industry," said USPOULTRY Foundation chairman Mark Waller, Ingram Farms, Cullman, Ala. "We need sharp young managers to join our companies today, as they may one day be the leaders of tomorrow. USPOULTRY Foundation recruiting grants perform a vital role in inspiring students to enroll in industry related studies and in becoming future industry leaders of tomorrow," he said.
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association established the USPOULTRY Foundation in 1994 to provide student recruiting funds to universities with poultry science departments.  In 2004, the Poultry Science Education Funding Program, now named the Industry Education Recruitment Funding Program, was added to the Foundation's umbrella so other colleges and universities that offer industry related studies are eligible to apply for recruiting grants.  Applications must be submitted for these grants, which provide up to $7,000 each. 

Perdue establishes graduate fellowship program at University of Delaware

Perdue Farms has awarded a three-year, $125,000 endowment funded by the Arthur W. Perdue Foundation to the University of Delaware to establish the Arthur W. Perdue Graduate Fellowship Program in the university's Department of Animal and Food Sciences. As an Arthur W. Perdue Fellow, the selected student will focus on possible research through the university's Avian Biosciences Center in the areas of broiler growth and efficiency, muscle biology and physiology, and emerging infectious avian diseases and their control.
Another area of possible research may focus on intestinal microbiology, physiology and impact on microbial populations, including those that present foodbourne disease challenges.
"The college is grateful to Perdue for providing funding for one of our greatest needs, graduate education," said Mark Rieger, dean of the University of Delaware's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. "Beyond the funding per se, the gift allows for a closer relationship between UD and Perdue, and we will learn much from each other as we collaborate." 

Tyson Foods sponsoring College Aggies Online scholarship competition

Tyson Foods has become the newest sponsor of the Animal Agriculture Alliance's fifth annual College Aggies Online scholarship program. College Aggies Online, an agriculture advocacy scholarship competition, will launch on September 9.
"We are thrilled that Tyson Foods has come aboard as the newest supporter of one of the Alliance's most positive and proactive initiatives," said Animal Agriculture Alliance President and CEO Kay Johnson Smith. "There's nothing more crucial than helping the next generation of farmers, ranchers and agriculture professionals understand the importance of sharing agriculture's story."
The College Aggies Online program, which began in 2009, is designed to enable college students with an interest in agriculture to become confident, proactive and creative communicators using social media tools.
"Tyson Foods is proud to provide this sponsorship of the College Aggies Online program and to support students across the country as they share the importance of agriculture in feeding the world and give back to their communities," said Annetta Young, director of corporate social responsibility for Tyson Foods.
The fall 2013 competition will include new, creative assignments, increased participant interaction with issue experts, and a more comprehensive internship and career database. Both individuals and collegiate agriculture clubs can compete, and challenges range from writing blogs and engaging with stakeholders using social media, to hosting a campus-wide "Meet your Meat" event. Participants will also be encouraged to actively participate in their communities at large by completing assignments focused on giving back, like hosting food and clothing drives and volunteering at soup kitchens.
The final points will be tallied in November and the club with the most points will receive a $5,000 scholarship, national recognition and a trip for two representatives to Washington, D.C. for the alliance's annual Stakeholders Summit. The first place individual will win a $2,500.00 scholarship and a trip to D.C. Scholarships and recognition will also be awarded to the runner-up in the club and the second and third placing individuals. Additionally, club and individual winners will also be invited to tour the Tyson Foods headquarters and processing facilities in Springdale, Ark.
Other 2013 sponsors include Lallemand Animal Nutrition and the National Pork Board.
About 980 students from more than 75 universities participated in College Aggies Online in 2012.

The Poultry Federation gives over $100,000 in scholarships

The Poultry Federation of Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma announced the recipients of its scholarships for the 2013-2014 academic year. A total of $102,000 in scholarship funds was awarded to four graduate students and 18 undergraduate students.
Graduate students receiving the Poultry Nutrition Scholarships are Chance Williams, David McCreery, Malea Frank and Alex Gilley, all attending the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.
Undergraduate students attending the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville and receiving the Industry Student Scholarships are Dustin Dixon, Ashley Sizemore, Suzanne Sikes, Elizabeth Mosely, Valeria Quiroge Trigo, Heather Leding and Harlee Ray; and from Arkansas State University-Jonesboro, Kristen Miller.
Undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville and receiving the Junior/Senior Scholarships are Jenifer Lutes, Ruben Kriseldi, Landon Gross, Devin Cook, Ethan Holt, Jacob Stonebarger, Jacob Harriman, Michael Schumbohm and Betsy Epps; and from Southern Arkansas University, Timothy Hanney.

Poultry producer Case Farms awards student scholarships

Poultry producer, Case Farms recently awarded three $2,500 scholarships to children of Case Farms employees during the company's annual Service Awards Dinner.
Established in 2005 by Case Farms founder Thomas Shelton, the J. Leroy Cook Memorial Scholarship Program honors long-time Case Farms employee Leroy Cook, a former senior vice president of operations at the company. To date, Case Farms has given away more than $42,500 in college scholarships to children of Case Farms employees.
"The employees at Case Farms are dedicated individuals and it is a privilege for us to be able to support them and their families," said Kevin Phillips, president and chief operating officer at Case Foods Inc. "We are proud to provide these students with an opportunity to further their education and relieve some of the financial stresses associated with attending school."
The recipients of the 2013 J. Leroy Cook Memorial Scholarship are Danielle N. Dillane, Kristen D. Halloran and Christopher A. Nichols. Dillane will continue her education at North Carolina State University where she is majoring in meteorology. She is the daughter of Vincent Dillane, who works in receiving at the Case Farms feed mill in Goldsboro, N.C. Halloran will attend Mount Vernon Nazarene University and plans to major in early childhood education. She is the daughter of David Halloran, flock supervisor at the Case Farms complex in Winesburg, Ohio. Nichols will continue his studies at Methodist University, where he is majoring in secondary education. He is the son of Allen Nichols, garage manager at the Case Farms facility in Goldsboro.
Applicants underwent a competitive process, completing a questionnaire that was evaluated by three judges. 

Scholarships awarded to students in poultry-related fields

The National Poultry and Food Distributors Association Scholarship Foundation has named its scholarship recipients for the 2013-14 academic year. The scholarship program, in its 34 year, provides a financial boost to students pursuing poultry-related college degrees.
The National Poultry and Food Distributors Association Scholarship Foundation has a committee that reviews all scholarship applications and selects the top five students. Cash awards varying from $1,500 to $2,000 per student go to the top four finalists. The fifth is chosen as an alternate, should one of the recipients not use all of the scholarship funds.
The 2013-14 National Poultry and Food Distributors Association scholarship recipients are: Brady Rundell, Kansas State University, Albin S. Johnson Memorial Scholarship; Victoria Willis, Kansas State University, William Manson Family Memorial Scholarship; Rachel Blount, Texas A & M, Schwartz Memorial Scholarship; Andrew Thompson, Auburn University, National Poultry and Food Distributors Association Scholarship; and Betty McConn, Virginia Tech, alternate.

Minnesota turkey group offers scholarships

The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association is announcing its 2013 Ranelius Scholarship Program, designed to encourage students enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution in Minnesota to prepare for a career in the turkey industry.
A total of $5,000 is available for scholarship awards.
Recipients must be a Minnesota resident and either be enrolled or plan to be enrolled in a post high school educational program that will prepare them for employment in some phase of the poultry industry. While there are no restrictions on the major or program selected, it must provide suitable training for the applicant's stated career goals. Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received an MTGA scholarship, and who are either members of the MTGA, or who are family members or employees of members of the MTGA.
The selection of the scholarship recipient will be made by an MTGA Board of Directors and based on the applications received.
For additional information or an application, visit www.minnesotaturkey.com/education or contact the MTGA at 108 Marty Drive, Buffalo, MN 55313; +1.763.682.2171; tlynch@minnesotaturkey.com.

California State University, Modesto Junior College receive USPOULTRY Foundation grants

California State University, Fresno, and Modesto Junior College in California recently received student recruitment grants of $7,000 and $6,500, respectively, from the USPOULTRY Foundation. The checks were presented by Richie King, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association board member, to Dr. Michelle Ganci, lecturer, poultry instructor and internship coordinator with the Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education Department at California State University, Fresno, and Marlies Boyd, professor with Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Modesto Junior College.
“The USPOULTRY Foundation recruitment grant is an indispensable resource for universities and colleges, such as California State University, Fresno, and Modesto Junior College, that help encourage students to consider a career in the poultry industry," said King. "The poultry industry is constantly growing, and attracting youth to become a part of our industry is essential for our future."

The USPOULTRY Foundation board approved student recruiting grants totaling more than $160,000 to the six U.S. universities with poultry science departments and 15 other institutions with industry-related programs. The foundation provides annual recruiting funds to colleges and universities to attract students to their poultry programs.