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 1, 2007) - Applications are being accepted for the W.D. Farr scholarship program, presented by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF). A $12,000 graduate scholarship will be awarded to each of two outstanding students pursuing graduate degrees in animal science, environmental science or agriculture. All applications must be postmarked by April 4, 2007. 

NCF is honoring the successful career of W.D. Farr, 96, of Greeley, Colo., through the scholarships bearing his name.  Farr, a third-generation Coloradoan, pioneer rancher, statesman and banker is 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 NCF, 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.  He remains involved in agriculture today, and continues to provide vision and leadership for the beef industry.

The scholarship application and criteria can be found online at www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org/scholarship.aspx. Or for more information, call 303-850-3388. The first scholarship winners will be introduced at the 2007 Cattle Industry Summer Conference, to be held in Denver July 17-20.

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, NCF 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., 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.