CONTACT:        Joe Schuele            303-850-3360             jschuele@beef.org

Roxanne Johnson    303-850-3388             rjohnson@beef.org

W.D. Farr Scholarship Ready for Applicants

DENVER (March 25, 2008) - Applications are being accepted for the W.D. Farr Scholarship program, presented by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation. Two $12,000 graduate scholarships will be awarded to outstanding students pursuing graduate degrees in animal science, environmental science or agriculture. All applications must be postmarked by April 30, 2008. 

The National Cattlemen’s Foundation continues to honor the successful career of the late W.D. Farr of Greeley, Colo., through the scholarships bearing his name.  Farr, a third-generation Coloradoan, pioneer rancher, statesman and banker was known for his extraordinary vision.  His dedication to improving agriculture, livestock and water development has resulted in significant changes in farming methods that have influenced the practices of ranchers and farmers throughout the nation.

Farr was president of the National Cattlemen’s Association - a predecessor organization of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association - in 1970. He was the first president of the foundation, the philanthropic organization of the cattlemen’s association dedicated to advancing the future of the beef industry with passion and urgency for the benefit of consumers and cattlemen. Farr remained involved in agriculture throughout his 96 years, providing vision and leadership for the beef industry.

The scholarship application and criteria can be found online at www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org/scholarship.aspx, or by calling 303-694-0305. The scholarship winners will be introduced at the 2008 Cattle Industry Summer Conference, to be held in Denver July 15-19.

To date, contributions to the scholarship fund have been made in Farr’s honor from individuals, companies and foundations totaling over $200,000. Fundraising efforts remain focused on increasing the fund for additional scholarships to help young people pursue careers in agriculture.

The W.D. Farr Scholarship selection committee includes Bob Josserand, National Cattlemen’s Foundation chair, Hereford, Texas; Linda Davis, W.D. Farr Scholarship Committee chair, Cimarron, N.M.; R.C. Hummel, Lextron, Inc., Greeley, Colo.; Dick Farr, Farr family and business partner, Greeley, Colo.; James O. Reagan, Ph.D., senior vice president, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Denver, Colo.

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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.