Deere & Company Recognized for 60 Years of Support to National FFA Organization

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 31, 2003 -- Deere & Company , the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment, has received the FFA's 60-year Milestone award - recognizing Deere's position as the longest continuous sponsor of the national FFA organization.

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In accepting the award last night at the FFA's 75th National Convention in Louisville, Deere & Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert W. Lane said the company will provide seed money for a new FFA collegiate initiative to commemorate the 60-year relationship. Deere has been an FFA corporate sponsor since 1944 and is among the organization's top eight national sponsors.

"Education is important to the future of all young people," Lane said. "The FFA has had a tremendous impact on many lives and we are honored to help this fine organization continue its efforts to help young people succeed."

FFA, which was founded in 1928, is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Today, FFA has nearly 465,000 members in 7,194 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.