Contact:            Kari Carrillo                   303-850-3345                 kcarrillo@beef.org

Beef Industry Scholarship Application Deadline Approaching

Oct. 5 Postmark Deadline for Applications and Essays

DENVER (Sept. 20, 2007) -  Applications are still being accepted for the 2008 Beef Industry Scholarship Program, sponsored by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation and the CME Group. But all entries must be postmarked by October 5, 2007.

Ten scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded to young people pursuing careers in the beef industry. The program encourages talented and thoughtful students who have demonstrated a commitment to a career in the beef industry, either through classes, internships or life experience. Graduating high school seniors or full-time undergraduate students enrolled at a two-year or four-year college for the 2008-2009 academic year are encouraged to apply.

Applications must include a 750-word essay that identifies a key issue confronting the beef industry and suggests a solution.  Applicants must also submit a letter expressing future career goals and two letters of recommendation.  A full description the scholarship program and application requirements can be found at the National Cattlemen’s Foundation website: www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org/scholarship.aspx, or obtained by calling 303-850-3345.  

In addition to a scholarship, the first-place winner will receive airfare and lodging to attend the Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Reno, Nev., February 6-9, 2008.

The Beef Industry Scholarship Program is a cooperative effort of the CME Group and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation. It was launched in 1989 to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the Live Cattle Futures Contract on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.  The CME Group has been a leader in the live cattle market since 1964, and the Beef Industry Scholarship Program exemplifies its commitment to the beef industry. 

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The National Cattlemen's Foundation advances the future of the beef industry with passion and urgency for the benefit of consumers and cattlemen. 

CME Group is a combined entity formed by the 2007 merger of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). With the widest range of benchmark products available on any exchange and covering all major asset classes, CME Group offers futures and options based on interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, commodities, energy, and alternative investment products such as weather and real estate.