FFA Names 40 Individuals as the 2006 New Century Farmers

Program Prepares Young Farmers for Success in the 21st Century

INDIANAPOLIS, IN., May 22, 2006 – The National FFA Organization has selected 40 outstanding young people to participate in the 2006 New Century Farmer Program. This exclusive, highly competitive program develops young men and women who are committed to pursing a career in production agriculture. The New Century Farmer Program is sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., and Rabobank as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

From Arizona to the Atlantic coastline in Virginia, participants representing 21 states will take part in an intensive five-day seminar in July in Des Moines, Iowa. They will learn from each other and industry experts during a series of workshops and sessions, on topics ranging from the global marketplace to farm financing, demographic trends to risk management. The New Century Farmers will hear from motivating and informative keynote speakers who will educate them on the risks and rewards involved with agriculture production. In addition to classroom learning, students will be exposed to the latest developments in agricultural technology, field tours, sessions on personal and professional development and team building.

The program is designed to provide participants with valuable learning that they will take home and apply to their own farming operations, as well as resources and a network of friends that they can draw upon throughout their careers.

“Today’s New Century Farmer is proficient in fields like chemistry, agribusiness, communication and agronomy,” said Dr. Larry Case, CEO and National Advisor of the National FFA Organization. “The New Century Farmer Program helps today’s young farmers prepare for a highly competitive global marketplace.”

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont , is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

Rabobank is a global financial services leader providing agricultural financing solutions and institutional and retail banking in the U.S. and key markets around the world. Founded by Dutch farmers in the 1890’s as a financing cooperative, Rabobank today has over $600 billion in assets, operations in 38 countries, and ranks among the 25 largest banks worldwide. Rabobank is the only private financial institution with a triple A credit rating from both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s, and is ranked as the “world’s 3rd safest bank” by Global Finance magazine. In the United States, Rabobank is a lead financier to the entire food and agriculture industry, and through its businesses provides real estate lending, operating loans, input financing and crop and livestock insurance to American agricultural producers, input suppliers and agricultural manufacturers; banking services to corporate food and agribusiness clients; and retail and commercial banking services in California.

FFA is a national youth organization of 490,017 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 7,210 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. FFA strives 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.

Contact:
William F. Stagg
317-802-4243

Students selected to the program are as follows: