FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, October 22, 2010

CONTACT:
Margaret Hart, Communications Coordinator
651.201.6131, Margaret.Hart@state.mn.us

National FFA honors two MDA employees

ST. PAUL, Minn. – In recognition of their outstanding contributions to agricultural education and FFA, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Deputy Commissioner Jim Boerboom and Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Director Al Withers have been awarded 2010 Honorary American FFA Degrees. The MDA employees were honored today at the 83rd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.

Every year the National FFA Organization bestows honorary degrees to recognize individuals who have provided exceptional support of Agriculture Education and FFA.

Deputy Commissioner Boerboom is serving his fourth year as a board member of the Minnesota Agriculture Education Leadership Council. He has been instrumental in the planning and implementation of a series of ag education programs, including an AgEd Summit set for December of 2010.

Withers has served as director of the Minnesota Ag in the Classroom program since its inception in 1985. Ag in the Classroom enhances agricultural literacy for K-12 students and teachers. Under Withers’ guidance, the program continues to provide Minnesota school students with current and factual information about how agriculture impacts the world and their everyday lives.

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 520,000 student members, all preparing for leadership and careers in science, business and technology in agriculture. Members come from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

-30-