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Fifty years ago, FFA and Nationwide Insurance began a relationship that has helped thousands of young people broaden their horizons through education and achievement programs.

The year was 1954, well before FFA abbreviated its name from Future Farmers of America, and one year before Farm Bureau Mutual changed its name to Nationwide. The insurance company began its support of FFA because of its rural heritage and its interest in the education of young people, especially agricultural education.

Last month, the FFA Foundation recognized Nationwide Insurance and the Nationwide Foundation for 50 years of sustained support at the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky. Jerry Hillard accepted the award on behalf of Nationwide at the meeting, which attracted some 53,000 FFA members.

"We are extremely proud of our 50 years of FFA support," said Hillard, who is an officer of Farmowner Ag Strategy for Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance, one of Nationwide’s companies. "Our partnership with FFA is an example of the commitment we have to serve farm families and promote programs that strengthen American agriculture."

Hillard has served as Nationwide’s representative on the National FFA Foundation Sponsor’s Board.

For the past five years, Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance and the Nationwide Foundation have sponsored FFA’s Horticulture Proficiency Award, which provides incentives to students studying for careers in the horticulture industry. In addition, the Nationwide Foundation supports annual scholarships for FFA students in ag-related courses.

"The agricultural industry continues to need qualified professionals," said Kent Schescke, division director for the National FFA Foundation. "Because of the support of Nationwide Insurance, FFA is better positioned to be the premier source of young people (serving) agriculture through successful careers."

Caption: Amy Rasmussen, National FFA Central Region vice president, presents an FFA award to Jerry Hillard of Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance, recognizing the Nationwide Foundation for 50 years of support to FFA. "As the leading insurer of farms in America, we know it’s important to reinvest in agriculture, and FFA has been a great investment," Hillard said.