Southwest High FFA accepts $2,500 Dupont Pioneer grant

Southwest Senior High School FFA president Cassa McConville represents the school's FFA members as she accepts a $2,500 DuPont Pioneer grant from Clayton Geisinger, DuPont Pioneer account manager from Holdrege, during an awards presentation Tuesday morning at the school in Bartley, Nebraska. Also representing DuPont Pioneer were sales representatives, from left, Eugene Koch of McCook and Bruce Kelley of Danbury. SW ag education instructor and FFA sponsor Les Roggenkamp, right, said the grant funds will be used for curriculum updates in farm management and animal science. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Daily Gazette)

BARTLEY, Nebraska -- Southwest Senior High's FFA chapter members accepted a $2,500 DuPont Pioneer grant during an awards presentation Tuesday morning at the school in Bartley, Nebraska. They plan to use the award to update their agricultural and science curriculum.

Clayton Geisinger of Holdrege, Pioneer local account manager, said, "We applaud Southwest FFA for the enhancements they are making to the agricultural programming they offer to students. When it comes to feeding the world, we truly are all in this together. We are proud to work with local organizations who share our deep desire to help feed, fuel and provide the fiber needed both locally and globally."

Geisinger continued, "In order to feed a global population expected to reach nine billion by the year 2050, it is crucial to have a workforce of young professionals who are passionate about agriculture and science."

Southwest ag education instructor Les Roggenkamp said, "The agricultural students and I are extremely excited to receive this grant from DuPont Pioneer. Updating classroom and laboratory materials to meet the ever-changing world of agriculture is a high priority. These funds will be utilized to keep Southwest agriculture education students on the cutting edge of today's educational advances."

Pioneer makes contributions to community-based organizations on behalf of the business and employees. Consideration for community outreach grants are given to communities where Pioneer representatives, employees and customers live and work and that support quality-of-life initiatives to create an improved, sustainable lifestyle for people worldwide.

DuPont Pioneer is the world's leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics, providing high-quality seeds to farmers in more than 90 countries. Pioneer provides agronomic support and services to help increase farmer productivity and profitability and strives to develop sustainable agricultural systems for people everywhere. Science with Service Delivering Success™. Visit www.pioneer.com.

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-c lass science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802.

For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, visit www.dupont.com