New program gives cattle producers a simple way to invest in ag education
Missouri cattle producers have a new opportunity to support agricultural education and future industry leaders through the Beef for Blue program, an initiative of the Missouri FFA Foundation.
The program, which began Sept. 1, allows producers to donate 50 cents per head of cattle sold through participating sale barns, with proceeds supporting Missouri FFA members and agricultural education activities. Some participating sale barns may also offer producers the ability to make a donation of a specific dollar amount.
According to the foundation, Beef for Blue was created to provide cattle producers with an efficient way to invest directly in the future of Missouri agriculture. To enroll, producers simply notify staff at partnering sale barns that they would like to participate in the program. The pledged donation is then deducted from the sale proceeds before payment is issued, and the funds are sent directly to the Missouri FFA Foundation.
Funds raised through Beef for Blue will support a variety of educational initiatives across the state, including grants that help students start or expand supervised agricultural experience projects related to beef cattle production. Donations will also fund agriculture advocacy training, leadership workshops and skills development opportunities for FFA members.
For more information, a list of participating sale barns or to make a direct donation, visit donorbox.org/beef4blue or contact the Missouri FFA Foundation at foundationinfo@missouriffa.org.