FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 20, 2007

CONTACT: Becky Grisham, Missouri Corn Growers Association, (573) 893-4181 or (800) 827-4181

MISSOURI CORN LENDING A HAND TO YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE
2008 College Scholarship Applications Now Available

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)--Applications for the 2008 Missouri Corn Scholarships are now available for Missouri high school and college students. A total of ten $750 scholarships will be awarded by the Missouri Corn Growers Association and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council to graduating high school seniors and college juniors pursuing a career in agronomy or related field.

"We want to help young people receive an education that will allow them to succeed in the evolving field of agriculture," says Kenny McNamar, Missouri Corn Scholarship Committee chairman and farmer from Gorin, Mo. "Education is an invaluable tool and we are trying to assist the hard-working youth from our rural communities so we have solid leaders to take Missouri's corn and agricultural industries into the future."

Missouri Corn Scholarship applications are now available for download from Missouri Corn Online at www.mocorn.org/scholarship.htm. Interested students can also call the Missouri Corn office toll free at (800) 827-4181 to request an application. Students must submit an application form, official high school or college transcript and at least one letter of recommendation to the Missouri Corn office by Feb. 15, 2008 to be eligible for this award.

Additional requirements for applicants are as follows:

High school senior applicants must be Missouri residents from a Missouri farm or rural area. They must also plan to attend a two-year or four-year Missouri college or university and major in agronomy or agriculture-related field. The scholarship funds will apply toward the freshman year of college expenses for high school winners.

College applicants must also be Missouri residents from a Missouri farm or rural area, and currently a junior enrolled in a Missouri four-year college or university majoring in agronomy or agriculture-related field. The scholarship funds will apply toward the senior year of expenses for college winners.

"We have had outstanding applicants in the past and look forward to awarding ten new scholarships to deserving youth this year," said McNamar. "With a new year right around the corner, now is a great time for students to begin making plans for their future."

Applications will be reviewed by the Missouri Corn Scholarship Committee and recipients will be notified by mail on or before April 15, 2008. This is the twelfth year Missouri Corn Scholarships have been available. To learn more about Missouri Corn programs, please visit www.mocorn.org.