Chapters in 12 States will compete for $300,000 of incentives provided by Monsanto


National FFA OrganizationConnections within the community and financial resources are two of the most helpful ways for FFA chapters to grow their influence and reach. Now, chapters in 12 states can register for the opportunity to use one to get the other – thanks to the 2012 FFA Chapter Challenge.

After a successful pilot program last year, FFA and Monsanto have expanded FFA Chapter Challenge to 12 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. More than 3,300 FFA chapters and their combined 236,000 FFA members can take part in the FFA Chapter Challenge.

Beginning Jan. 16, registered FFA chapters in eligible states will be challenged to reach out to farmers in their communities and learn more about their livelihood. In turn, farmers will go online to vote for their local FFA chapter.

The top 200 FFA chapters that make the most connections and received the most farmer votes by February 29 will receive a line of credit ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 from the National FFA Organization. As a sponsor of the program, Monsanto will provide more than $300,000 in incentives.

But before FFA chapters are eligible for the 2012 FFA Chapter Challenge incentives, they must sign up. Registration for the 2012 FFA Chapter Challenge opened Oct. 19 and is available on the FFA Chapter Challenge website.

"Monsanto is proud to be a partner with the National FFA and help these local chapters generate new and stronger relationships with their area farmers," said John Raines, vice president of customer advocacy at Monsanto. "We saw the value of this program through a pilot last year and we think the Chapter Challenge is a great way for local chapters to connect with farmers in their communities."

The award of a chapter monetary credit can be used throughout the year to buy FFA jackets and merchandise, obtain banquet supplies and send members to events like the Washington Leadership Conference or the national FFA convention and more. Awards will go to the top 10 chapters in each of the 12 eligible states, plus 80 at-large winning chapters.

The chapter that makes the most connections of any participating FFA chapter will win the grand prize – an all-expense paid trip for six students and an advisor to attend the 85th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in October 2012 plus a $2,500 FFA certificate of credit.

"The expanded 2012 FFA Chapter Challenge is wonderful opportunity for students to reach out to people in their community who make their living in agriculture and forge strong, meaningful relationships," said Rob Cooper, executive director of the National FFA Foundation. "Monsanto's support of this initiative will most definitely help build support of local FFA chapters and ultimately help develop tomorrow's agriculture industry leaders."

Winners will be announced March 9. For more information, visit the FFA Chapter Challenge website.

11.16.2011