Farms share ideas on staying productive

Scholarships offered

For some lucky members of farm families, there could be help ahead in paying the cost of college.

Maryland grain farmers and Delmarva region chicken growers are offering scholarships to students with agricultural backgrounds.

The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board is offering $2,500 scholarships to college students interested in pursuing an agricultural-related career.

Applications are due June 1 and will be awarded at the association's annual commodity classic on July 24.

The association usually awards two scholarships a year. The 2008-2009 awards will go to residents who are enrolled at or have been accepted to a four-year institution working toward a bachelor's degree, or a two-year school with an agricultural program.

The college does not need to be in Maryland. Applicants or the applicant's immediate family must be involved in the production of grain.

For additional information, call the board at 410-956-5771 or visit its Web page: www.marylandgrain .com.

The Delmarva Flock Supervisors' Association Committee is accepting applications for its 2008 scholarship. At least one scholarship in the amount of $1,500 to $4,000 will be awarded.

Preference will be given to applicants whose parents or family business are members of the Delmarva Poultry Industry Inc. and to people planning a career in Delmarva's poultry industry.

Applications must be received by June 30.

For additional information, call the Delmarva Poultry Industry at 302-856-9037 or 800-878-2449. The e-mail address is dpi@dpichicken.com.

Productivity rising

Technology improvements have allowed the productivity of American farmers to increase drastically, according to researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

During colonial times, one farmer fed four people.

Today, one farmer produces food for 130 others.