One of the world's largest animal health companies will provide more than $1 million in sponsorships of National FFA Organization programs, local chapters and more this year.

New Jersey-based Pfizer Animal Health is one of the largest contributors to the National FFA Foundation Leadership Fund, which provides unrestricted funds for FFA programs. Pfizer Animal Health has funded the development of the new National FFA Veterinary Science Career Development Event and will sponsor the first event in 2012. Through the National Association of Agricultural Educators, Pfizer Animal Health sponsors a series of teacher workshops at the National FFA Convention, which draws more than 50,000 students, advisors and industry professionals each year. Pfizer is a participant in the convention's Agricultural Career Show and Collegiate Career Expo.

Pfizer Animal Health also provides significant funds to help their retailers support local FFA chapters.

"Pfizer Animal Health is proud of its relationship with the National FFA Foundation. Whether you talk to the many FFA alums who are part of the Pfizer Animal Health team or to the animal health partners who work with us to support local FFA chapters, there is no doubt we believe in the great work being done by FFA members and advisors across the nation. As a Platinum Sponsor, we are excited to enhance our connection to this great organization, and our ability to help support and shape the next generation of agricultural leaders." says Robert Kelly, Vice President, US Cattle Operations, Pfizer Animal Health.

Pfizer Animal Health strives to provide full animal health solutions to veterinarians, livestock producers and companion animal owners. The company is a world leader in the discovery, development and manufacture of innovative animal vaccines, medicines and veterinary diagnostic products.

"Pfizer Animal Health is a long-time, dedicated and highly valued partner of the National FFA Foundation, said Robert K. Cooper, Executive Director of the National FFA Foundation. "Their support of FFA programs and services is critical to the development of today's youth into tomorrow's agricultural industry leaders."

Providing opportunities that help FFA members grow and succeed is the work of the National FFA Foundation. Foundation donors make possible award and recognition programs, scholarships, service learning activities, global engagement programs, national FFA convention functions, educational materials, teacher training and much more.

Created in 1944 and governed by a 19-member national board, the National FFA Foundation gives companies, organizations and individuals opportunities to provide financial resources and cooperation in support of FFA programs and other agricultural education organizations. Since, the foundation has raised more than $216 million to support FFA and agriculture education. This year the foundation raised a record $16 million through corporate and private financial contributions to support FFA in 2011.

The National FFA Organization provides agricultural education to 540,379 student members in grades seven through 12 who belong to one of 7,489 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

12.21.2011