Pfizer Animal Health, in partnership with veterinarians, animal health suppliers and dealer customers, continues to support youth in agriculture through its Performance Pays Spring 2012 program. The spring program raised $1,173,421 to benefit FFA chapters nationwide, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) Foundation and, new this year, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation. Since its inception in 2008, the support program has raised more than $4.7 million to benefit students through these organizations.
“The ongoing partnership through this program with veterinary clinics and animal health suppliers has provided much-needed financial support for FFA chapters and veterinary students,” says Rob Kelly, vice president of U.S. Cattle and Equine Operations, Pfizer Animal Health.
Between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2012, a portion of funds from purchases of eligible Pfizer Animal Health cattle and equine products was directed to local FFA chapters and/or veterinary student scholarships through the AABP and AAEP foundations. As a result, this spring’s program means more than 1,300 designated FFA chapters from 46 states collectively received more than $1 million to support chapter activities. In addition, the AABP Foundation–Pfizer Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarship Fund received more than $86,500 and the AAEP Foundation received $16,000.
This support has enabled students to gain experience at events across the country and advance their knowledge, says Kiersten Scott, chapter president, Scott Community High School FFA.
“We get to better our education with additional classroom tools, and by going to as many as 15 CDEs (career development events) every year, including trips to livestock and meat judging events,” Scott adds. “We are also able to use the support to give back to our community.”
The newest beneficiary of the program, the AAEP Foundation, is committed to supporting the future of large-animal veterinarians through scholarships.
“We are grateful for this opportunity to offer students the chance to focus on their studies and future careers—not the cost of tuition,” says C. Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc, Ph.D., DSc, FRCVS, Diplomate ACVS & ACVSMR, AAEP Foundation chairman.
