CHS Foundation donates $4.3M to national FFA for ag education

Nov 16, 2023

The CHS Foundation -- a global agribusiness cooperative owned by farmers and local cooperatives across the United States -- has announced a groundbreaking grant of $4.3 million to the National FFA Organization, marking an important milestone in agricultural education and youth leadership development. This donation represents the foundation's largest contribution in its 75-year history, underscoring its commitment to fostering future talent in agriculture.

Molly Ball, the president of the National FFA Foundation, expressed her gratitude for CHS's continued support. The partnership has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing potential leaders within the FFA community.

This substantial funding will be instrumental in several key areas. It will bolster FFA programs across 17 states, offering scholarships for educational events and competitions. Furthermore, it will expand workforce development initiatives, introducing students from diverse backgrounds to careers in agriculture. Additionally, the grant will assist the National Association of Ag Educators in attracting and training future agricultural teachers.

Megan Wolle, the president of the CHS Foundation, emphasized the strategic importance of supporting the FFA. She noted that the investment in FFA is an investment in the future of agriculture, empowering the next generation of leaders to innovate and drive the industry forward. The foundation recognizes the critical role of FFA in inspiring students to choose agricultural careers and in honing their leadership skills.

The National FFA Organization, with its vast network of over 945,000 student members in more than 9,000 chapters nationwide, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, stands as a key player in shaping the future of the agricultural sector. The CHS Foundation's donation will enable the FFA to expand and enhance its programs, playing a crucial role in developing the agricultural leaders and educators of tomorrow.

Source : wisconsinagconnection

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.