Corn growers plant seeds in the spring with the hopes of harvesting a bountiful corn crop in the fall. This year, growers are also planting seeds for the future through the third annual Michigan Corn Growers Association (MCGA) scholarship program. The MCGA board of directors will award a minimum of two scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each.

"With an aging population, priority needs to be put on young peoples' education. As a parent, I certainly appreciate the opportunity for my children to be able to compete for this scholarship," says Eric Voisinet, MCGA president and a corn farmer from Laingsburg. "The MCGA board of directors looks at this scholarship program as a way to give back to our members, while promoting higher education to young adults," adds Voisinet.

Members of the MCGA, including students, growers and associates, as well as members' children between the ages of 17-25 are qualified to apply. Only one application per membership number will be accepted. Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student at a post-secondary educational institution in order to be eligible. All applications must be received in the MCGA office no later than Feb. 20, 2009. Applications can be obtained from the MCGA office by calling (517) 668-2676 or online at www.micorn.org.  

Students in an accredited agricultural program are eligible for a one-year membership in the MCGA for $20. Grower and associate memberships in the MCGA are $60 for one-year, $155 for three-years, or $500 for a lifetime.

Other benefits MCGA members are entitled to include:
• A collective legislative voice on state and national legislation and policy.
• Free attendance to the MCGA Annual Meeting, which will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing on Feb. 3, highlighting key agricultural issues and lunch with legislators.
• Free and reduced priced tickets to activities like Ethanol Night at the Races.
• Membership in the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).
• An invitation and reduced rates to the MCGA Golf Outings to be held Aug. 5 at Centennial Acres in Sunfield and Aug. 12 at Woodland Hills in Sandusky.
• A quarterly MCGA newsletter.
• Discounts on Ford Motor Company vehicles and Dell Computer Products.
• The opportunity to serve on the MCGA board at the county, state or national level and become involved in NCGA Action Teams.
• The opportunity to apply for a rebate and a scholarship for the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP).
• Eligibility to apply for a Farm Women's Symposium scholarship.
• The chance to apply for a Great Lakes Leadership Academy Scholarship.

For more information, or if you would like to purchase a membership, please contact the MCGA at (517) 668-2676.