INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — For more than 60 years, BASF has worked with the National FFA Organization to ensure the future of agriculture and agricultural education. Through a generous donation,

BASF has worked with FFA to provide FFA members the opportunity to grow into leaders, build their communities and strengthen agriculture.

In 2017, BASF will serve as a Silver sponsor. They currently support state officer programs, delegate programs, the grain production-placement proficiency as well as the Teach Ag program.

“We appreciate that the goals and values of BASF align with FFA and that they see agricultural education and FFA as a critical part of their industry and company success,” said Molly Ball, National FFA Foundation president. “We are thankful for their increased support to become a Silver sponsor.”

“It is our responsibility to help prepare our future leaders in agriculture and provide students and educators with the understanding of how their curriculum is relevant to the work being accomplished in the business community,” said BASF North America Crop Protection Senior Vice President Paul Rea. “This helps them better understand what skills are needed for various careers and learn more about current industry practices. The BASF team is committed to financially supporting FFA and to contributing employee time and expertise. It takes both resources to yield success.”

At the local, state and national levels, FFA brings their mission to life for student members. Members gain experience in the areas of agricultural literacy and advocacy, agricultural knowledge, career exploration, leadership development, food security and service engagement.

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Fair season is back. That means Tractor Supply Co.’s Mobile Fair Tour is visiting 19 state and county fairs across the country, and recognizing FFA and 4-H youth who are making a difference in their communities. Now in its third year, the nation’s largest rural lifestyle retailer is sending its road team on a cross-country journey that began on June 8 in Illinois and concludes on Oct. 22 in Arkansas.

New to the Mobile Fair Tour this year is Tractor Supply’s first ever “Great Neighbor” Essay Contest for FFA and 4-H students. The competition encourages youth to submit a short essay detailing how their participation in FFA or 4-H has empowered them to be a better neighbor. “The ‘Great Neighbor’ essay contest has added a fun component to this year’s Mobile Fair Tour,” said Phil Reiter, vice president of marketing at Tractor Supply.

“The students involved in 4-H and FFA play such important roles in the communities we serve, and we are privileged to have the opportunity to recognize them for their hard work and dedication.”

Tractor Supply reviewed more than 500 submissions and selected five local winners for each fair stop to be honored during a special ceremony at the exhibit. In addition to a commemorative plaque, contest winners will walk away with a gift pack.

The 3,000 square-foot traveling exhibit will give fairgoers the opportunity to experience the excitement of “life out here” through a variety of entertainment options, including music, games and chances to win prizes. Attendees will have the opportunity to lasso a “runaway pig,” test their strength on the high striker bell-ringing game and take home prizes at the “Register to Win” kiosks inside the Tractor Supply barn.

“The Mobile Fair Tour allows us to work alongside communities we care about and reside in ourselves in order to preserve tradition and keep local fairs strong,” said Reiter.

To view the complete list of state and county fair stops and corresponding dates, visit www.TractorSupply.com/FairTour and to stay up to date on the Mobile Fair Unit, follow @TractorSupplyCo on Facebook.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — As the agricultural community becomes increasingly global, it is crucial that young people considering careers in the industry understand the opportunities and challenges of international trade.

A group of 52 national FFA award winners are touring agricultural sites in Ireland this summer and comparing the industries of Ireland and the United States. Following an orientation session in New York City on June 8, the group departed for a nine-day tour.

Participants were selected from the 188 National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Award finalists and the 16 American Star Award national finalists named last October at the 89th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. The international experience, as well as cash awards and plaques, are made possible by business and industry contributions to the National FFA Foundation.

Through June 16, participants will visit dairy, sheep, mussel and potato farms and a water buffalo dairy. In addition, they will visit a beef farm, which is one of the original members of the West Cork Beef Producers’ Group, and the Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Horse breeding facility.

FFA members will also visit Blarney Castle, experience the famed Ring of Kerry, view famous mountains and lakes and visit the dramatic 650-foot Cliffs of Moher.

During the trip, students have an opportunity to experience global agriculture and the culture of the Emerald Isle. The international travel experience is an educational study trip designed to introduce award participants to agriculture as it is practiced in other countries.

Students participating in the trip include, from the Farm World area: Marta Grant of Preston, Iowa; Kacie Haag of Emington, Braden Ifft of Piper City, Brandon Livingston of Marietta and Travis Winans of Taylorville, Ill.; Kenzie Kretzmeier of Fowler, Riley Lewis of LaGrange and John Tracey of Wolcottville, Ind.; Turner Cottrell of Magnolia and Morgan Jones of Richmond, Ky.; Reed Aller of Saint Marys, Frank Becker of Smithville, Olivia Congrove of Laurelville, Luke Durbin of New Philadelphia, Riley Evans of Washington Courthouse, Brandon Palmer of Amherst and Evan Schaefer of Bloomingburg, Ohio; and Grant Dorris of Lexington, Tenn.