Soybean Checkoff Scholarships Now Available to Future Soybean Industry Professionals

MANKATO, MN (12/17/2009)(readMedia)-- The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) will be awarding high school and college scholarships to students pursuing careers in the soybean industry.

"The soybean checkoff scholarship program recognizes and rewards outstanding young people who are planning to pursue careers in agriculture that will impact the soybean industry," said Gene Stoel, Vice Chairman of the MSR&PC and member of the scholarship selection committee. "I encourage everyone who meets the requirements to apply."

Up to six MSR&PC Youth Scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors in the amount of $1,000 each. Applicants must be a resident of Minnesota, be active in agriculture and their community, graduating from high school in the spring of 2010, pursuing a degree in an agriculture that will specifically benefit the soybean industry and plan to enroll in a two, three, or four year accredited college or a technical college.

Four awards of $2,000 each are available for college juniors or seniors who are working toward a degree in soybean agronomy, soil science or soybean genetics. Applicants must be a resident of Minnesota, and active in ag-related and/or campus/community activities. The awards are for undergraduate study only.

"With opportunities growing in the soybean industry every year and the number of ag majors dwindling, the MSR&PC understands the need to invest in the education of those who are enthusiastic about our business," said Stoel. "This is becoming increasingly necessary in the areas of production research and communications."

For more information call the MN Soybean Office at 888-896-9678 or visit www.mnsoybean.org to download an application. All applications must be postmarked by February 28, 2010 to be considered eligible.

The Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council is made up of an elected board of 15 soybean producers from across the state. The mission of the council is to invest soybean checkoff dollars in well-defined research, marketing, education and commercialization programs designed to increase demand and thereby improve the profitability of Minnesota's soybean farmers.