LINCOLN, NEB. – Farmland, a brand of Smithfield Foods Inc., presented a $100,000 donation to the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization on Aug. 20 in recognition of its positive impact on the agricultural industry.

The gift is part of the 2021 Honoring the Heartland Tour that was started by Farmland in June to support Midwest farming. 

"Over the past several months, Farmland has had the privilege to be on the ground in the heartland serving extraordinary and passionate organizations across the Midwest, providing us with endless inspiration to fuel our continued commitment," said Michael Merritt Jr., senior director for Farmland at Smithfield Foods. "We're pleased to continue our pledge with a $100,000 donation to the National FFA Organization so they may continue to focus on youth leadership development and equip the next generation of agriculture enthusiasts with valuable real-world information and opportunities, helping to ensure that America's heartland can continue to feed the world. 

During the 13-week tour, Farmland has traveled to different areas delivering grab-n-go lunches out of a food truck for people working in farming while also providing monetary donations.   

Along with meals and now this $100,000 donation, the brand provided an additional $40,000 to the National FFA Organization and state-level FFA Associations throughout the tour to assist them in growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture at the local, state and national levels.

"As FFA continues to prepare young people for the challenges of feeding a growing population, we are grateful for the continued support from Farmland," said Cassy Puskala, regional director for the National FFA Foundation. "Their contributions provide a sustainable impact on the organization at the local, state and national levels to help carryout the mission."

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 760,000 student members as part of 8,700 local FFA chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.