The National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation have entered into a new, strategic alliance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and National Council for Agricultural Education designed to develop agriculture students’ skills, leadership qualities, personal growth and career success.

National Dairy Shrine is again seeking nominations for its most prestigious awards: Guest of Honor, Pioneer, Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder, Progressive Dairy Producer and Graduate Production Award.

Western States and Albertsons are teaming up to raise both food and awareness during the most challenging time of year for local food banks. The “Dump Hunger” campaign hopes to generate 225,000 pounds of food to support communities across the Intermountain West following the holiday season. Donations to the campaign can be brought to any of the Western States branch locations or participating ALBERTSONS stores.

J.D. Heiskell Holdings, LLC doing business as J.D. Heiskell & Co. announced that on Friday, January 14, 2011 it acquired Hawkeye Gold LLC, an ethanol and ethanol co-products marketing business with offices in Ames, Iowa. Heiskell will acquire all employees and assets of Hawkeye Gold LLC and will continue to operate the business under its current name in Ames, Iowa.

The agriculture industry is one of great importance. Today’s agriculture professionals are part of a vital group of unsung heroes that contribute to feeding and clothing the world as they make a positive impact on the American economy. Monsanto Company recognizes the importance of investing in the next generation of hard-working agricultural professionals, which is why Monsanto and the National Association of Farm Broadcasters (NAFB) are proud to announce an open call for applications for the 2011 Commitment to Agriculture Scholarship Program.

Mark McCormick has watched many of the farms in his community shut down in the past three decades, but McCormick has been determined not to join that fate. It hasn’t been easy, keeping his dairy going. But he and his family have been doing it since 1839, when Christopher McCormick moved to Java, New York, and started farming. That McCormick would leave in the fall to work in New Orleans before returning for the spring planting.

The Wisconsin Holstein Association will be awarding nearly $13,000 in scholarships to 13 of its best and brightest youth. Awards will be given to college students studying agriculture and related fields at the annual Junior Holstein Convention to be held in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Jan. 8-10, 2011.

Milk Specialties Global has announced the purchase of the production facility of Robert Morgan Inc. in Paris, Illinois. This facility is located approximately 165 miles south of Chicago and has been partnering with Milk Specialties as a toll manufacturing facility for the past 16 months.