FFA foundations in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee will split a $100,000 funding boost to help them serve young people in agriculture.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (February 10, 2015) — FFA has received the highest number of online votes to win the Farm Credit Mid-America 299 Ways to Say Thanks campaign. FFA competed against 4-H and the Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers program to win the $100,000 prize, which will be divided evenly between the four state FFA foundations in the Farm Credit association area of Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee.

The goal of the 299 Ways to Say Thanks campaign was to thank farmers, customers and community members for all they do to invest in and secure the future of agriculture and rural America by inviting them to help choose which of the three organizations should receive the special funding boost. Participants could cast their votes online for the organization of their choice from early November through December 31, 2014.

“The Kentucky FFA Foundation is grateful for the longtime support and sponsorship Farm Credit Mid-America has provided to us,” said Sheldon McKinney, executive director, Kentucky FFA Foundation. “The 299 Ways to Say Thanks campaign demonstrates Farm Credit’s unwavering commitment to agriculture and youth leadership programs that develop future farmers and agribusiness leaders. In Kentucky, the funds will be used to continue to develop premier agriculture teachers, reward hardworking FFA members and enhance the programming Kentucky FFA offers.”

“Farm Credit is thrilled with the great response to our 299 Ways to Say Thanks campaign, and we’re pleased that thousands of people took time to vote for the organization of their choice,” said Bill Johnson, president and chief executive officer, Farm Credit Mid-America. “We offer our congratulations to FFA, and look forward to continuing our close partnership with all three of these organizations that are so dedicated to preparing young people for careers in agriculture.”

Kentucky FFA is an organization of over 14,500 students enrolled in Agricultural Education.  FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.