INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020/National FFA Organization) – Two sponsors will be honored with the Distinguished Service Citation during the National FFA Convention & Expo, which will be held virtually Oct. 27-29 this year.

Bayer of St. Louis, Mo., and Meredith-Successful Farming of Des Moines, Iowa, will receive the citation for their outstanding contributions to FFA and agricultural education on the national level.

Bayer has been a sponsor of FFA since 1954. Over the years, Bayer has contributed more than $22 million to the organization. In 2019, Bayer announced a multiyear, multimillion-dollar commitment to 4-H and FFA to help develop future food and agriculture leaders for generations to come. The funds support many of the key programs FFA is known for — hands-on learning activities, engaging with communities and developing strong leadership skills.

“Bayer is honored to be recognized by FFA for the passionate work we do in support of our youth and agricultural education,” said Anthony Osborne, SVP of Marketing for Bayer Crop Science North America and National FFA Foundation Board member. “As a former FFA member myself and current Board member, I know first-hand the impact FFA can have on the development of future agricultural leaders and we look forward to a continued partnership.”

Meredith-Successful Farming has been a loyal supporter of FFA for the past 75 years, both financially and by telling the FFA story through its media outlets. The organization has contributed $1.5 million toward FFA. One of the programs Successful Farming supports is New Century Farmer by providing coverage and promotion. They have also played a role on the National FFA Foundation Sponsors’ Board, giving the organization and foundation advice and industry support. Since 2017, Meredith Agrimedia has partnered with FFA to produce the organization’s official member magazine, FFA New Horizons.

“Successful Farming is very proud of our 75 years of continuous commitment to National FFA.  Giving back to our industry and specifically our youth is incredibly important to us.  As a current Sponsors’ Board member and former FFA member, I know firsthand the impact FFA has on our youth,” said Scott Mortimer, VP/ Group Publisher at Meredith.

Awards such as the Distinguished Service Citation recognize that FFA and its partners make a greater impression on students through the cooperation of the entire community. FFA and agricultural education programs have helped millions of students achieve extraordinary success for more than 90 years.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 760,000 student members as part of 8,700 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 760,000 student members as part of 8,700 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders, and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.