Saskatchewan's Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud has announced the first-ever Ministry of Agriculture scholarship program.
Bjornerud made the announcement in conjunction with the proclamation of October as Agriculture Month in Saskatchewan.
"Agriculture Month celebrates the vital role agriculture plays in the culture and economy of the province," Bjornerud says. "This scholarship is another way we are working to promote the industry and encourage our youth to look at agriculture as a career choice."
The annual Saskatchewan Agriculture Scholarship will award 10 students $1,000 each. Students in Grade 12 from across the province who are entering agriculture-related post-secondary studies in 2011 are eligible to apply.
Agriculture Month is a time to celebrate the industry and recognize the contributions of farmers and ranchers. It is also a time to recognize the many rural businesses that contribute to the overall success of the agriculture industry. Implement dealers, input retailers, veterinary clinics, auction marts, local garages and financial institutions are all examples of businesses that rely on and are important to the day-to-day operations of farmers and ranchers.
Local RMs as well as commodity and producer groups also play a valuable role in the agriculture industry.
"I want to commend Saskatchewan's farmers, ranchers and everyone involved in the agriculture industry for their contributions to our province," Bjornerud says.
"It is their hard work and dedication that will continue to drive this industry and province forward."
Agriculture directly or indirectly accounts for approximately one in four jobs in Saskatchewan. In addition to farming and ranching, careers in agriculture include areas such as manufacturing, research, veterinary science, processing and sales.
