The Wyoming Future Farmers of America (FFA) Foundation, through a partnership with EnCana Oil and Gas (USA) Inc., provided $20,000 to 18 Agriculture Education programs across Wyoming. The purpose of the grant program is to assist chapters in increasing educational opportunities for agriculture students and FFA members. This contribution will strengthen project development and encourage FFA enrollment.

“These funds will go a long way to help our programs offer a comprehensive experiential learning environment to students,” said Scott McDonald, Wyoming FFA Foundation Executive Director. “We are proud to be able to support Agriculture Education’s mission of making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.”

This partnership between a leading youth organization and a leading energy operator highlights the Foundation’s efforts to help train tomorrow’s business people, teachers, community leaders and producers. Grants were awarded to 21 Agriculture Education programs, funding everything from new curriculum materials, such as computers and microscopes, to hydroponic equipment, livestock supplies and more.  These supplies will help students in Wyoming Agriculture Education classrooms meet their academic goals.

“EnCana’s partnership with the Wyoming FFA Foundation gives us the opportunity to positively shape the future of Wyoming, both educationally and economically,” said Eddie Carpenter, EnCana Wind River Basin Operations Leader and FFA Foundation board member. “Agriculture and natural resources are the foundation of our society and we want to ensure our youth learn the importance of resource stewardship.”

“What a fantastic opportunity we’ve been given. It truly moves me to be a part of this organization in support of student leaders, that, in a time of economic uncertainty, we have businesses and individuals willing to back up their support with substance,” said Court Schilt, Board President of the Wyoming FFA Foundation. “All donors that make up the Foundation help to make these programs possible. My hat is off to them and to EnCana for helping Wyoming FFA thrive.”

The Wyoming FFA Foundation is a non-profit corporation created in 1958 to provide financial support for FFA awards, leadership development and incentive programs. Check into the activities of your local FFA chapter for more on how you can be a part of this dynamic team. If you would like to learn more about the Wyoming FFA Foundation, visit wyoffafoundation.com or call Scott McDonald at (866) 333-3838.

CHAPTERS THAT HAVE RECEIVED FUNDING:

Casper FFA Chapter - Purchase laboratory equipment as well as new animal, plant, and soil science teaching devices.

Buffalo FFA Chapter - Purchase a portable scale for animal science projects and fencing for animal science facility.

Torrington/Lingle FFA Chapter - Equipment and supplies to restore antique tractor to fulfill agriculture mechanics curriculum.

Kaycee FFA Chapter - Equipment and supplies to restore greenhouse facilities to use for plant sciences curriculum.

Bear Lodge (Sundance) FFA Chapter - Purchase portable scales for animal science projects.

Encampment FFA Chapter - Purchase a wire feed welder for agriculture mechanics and classroom projects.

High Plains FFA Chapter - Equipment and supplies to support and maintain current flock of 14 breeding sheep.

Jim Bridger (Mountain View) FFA Chapter - Equipment and supplies to upgrade current plasma cam system to be used for Agriculture Mechanics and classroom projects.

Lovell FFA Chapter - Equipment and supplies to operate existing greenhouse facilities for plant science curriculum.

Meeteetse FFA Chapter - Weekend leadership workshop for chapter members and officers.

Moorcroft FFA Chapter - Equipment and supplies for environmental monitoring and environmental science curriculum.

Pine Bluffs FFA Chapter - Equipment and supplies to implement a hydroponic lab to augment their plant sciences curriculum.

Pinedale FFA Chapter - Purchase of powder coating gun and infrared lamps for curing powder coating shop projects.

Riverton FFA Chapter - Horticulture and Agronomy curriculum materials.

Rock Creek (Rock River) FFA Chapter - Livestock evaluation, parliamentary procedure, meats evaluation, poultry evaluation career development event training materials.

Snowy Range (Laramie) FFA Chapter - Classroom and career development event training materials.

Bow River (Hanna/Elk Mountain) FFA Chapter - Equipment and supplies to update existing livestock facilities.

Hulett FFA Chapter - Equipment and supplies for current animal science curriculum.