The USPoultry Harold E. Ford Foundation check is presented to the poultry science department. Pictured (from left) are Poultry Science Club officers Antonio Beitia, Caleb Eagleson and Samantha Cox; Bill Bradley, vice president, CFF Brands, and Mike Kidd, head of the poultry science department and director for the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science; Justin Whaley, CEO, CFF Brands; Ruben Kriseldi and Chris Sims.

The foundation, named for a former executive with the US Poultry and Egg Association, promotes advancement of the poultry industry through education and training.

Mike Kidd, department head and director for the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, said the gift will help support recruitment efforts such as the annual Poultry Science Youth Conference, the youth broiler show at the Arkansas State Fair, in-service training for faculty and recruiting activities.

"The Harold E. Ford Foundation contributions to the Poultry Science Department are vital to the mission of the department for recruiting future leaders of the poultry industry. The check will be used for numerous activities to educate youth on the career opportunities that a poultry science major has to offer," said mR Kidd. "These funds are vital because they help us recruit students who will become future leaders in the poultry industry."

The Harold E. Ford Foundation was founded in 1995 and has disbursed over $2 million to poultry science departments across the nation.