IINDIANAPOLIS— The National FFA Foundation has announced that Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, in conjunction with Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc., has contributed $250,000 for support of the National FFA Convention to be held in Indianapolis beginning in 2006 through 2012.

“With this major gift, Indiana Farm Bureau joins the upper echelon of convention sponsors from the city of Indianapolis,” said Doug Loudenslager, Chief Operating Officer of the National FFA Organization. “It is humbling and thrilling to enjoy such outstanding support from Indiana Farm Bureau, and from the entire city of Indianapolis as we bring our convention to our hometown,” Loudenslager said.

Indiana Farm Bureau joins Dow AgroSciences, Elanco Animal Health and other companies and organizations as contributors for the national convention.

During a check presentation ceremony at the Indiana Farm Bureau headquarters in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance CEO Jerry Canada noted that Indiana Farm Bureau and FFA have a long history of working together. “FFA leaders today are our leaders of tomorrow, and we want to be part of helping them grow and develop.”

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance was organized by Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc., in 1934, has grown to include insurance products for auto, life, home, business, and farm. Banking and other financial services and products also are available through our offices. Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance serves Hoosiers through an extensive network of over 450 agents and 1200 employees living and working throughout the state. With a home office in downtown Indianapolis and local offices in all 92 counties, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance is the largest writer of farm insurance and the second largest writer of personal lines insurance in the state.

“Indiana Farm Bureau, the state’s largest farm organization, supports FFA and the half million student members across the nation and want this convention to be the best ever for Indianapolis and the agricultural community,” said Donald B. Villwock, President of Indiana Farm Bureau. In six months, a strike of the gavel will open the 2006 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis Conseco Fieldhouse after seven years in Louisville, Ky., and 71 years in Kansas City, Mo. The national FFA convention will utilize the city’s top convention facilities, including Conseco Fieldhouse, the home of the Indiana Pacers; and the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome.

The four-day event is an opportunity for students to gather and share experiences, compete for awards and recognition, scholarships and learn through unique activities such as service learning, leadership seminars, educational tours, motivational speeches and career exploration. For career development events (CDEs), the convention will use the Indiana State Fairgrounds, which hosts the Indiana State Fair and is one of the largest multi-purpose venues in the country.

The National FFA Center, located on the northwest side of the city, is the home of the National FFA Organization and will be open for tours during the convention. FFA and the city have worked out rooming arrangements with 120 area hotels and expect a 30 million dollar revenue stream to impact the city and surrounding area from the convention.

FFA is a national youth organization of 490,017 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 7,210 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. FFA strives to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.