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 Future Farmers of America 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 for Pfizer Animal Health. "Each and every veterinary clinic, retailer and animal health distributor understands the growing importance of supporting tomorrow’s agricultural leaders, and this program gives them a chance to directly impact these young people."

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.

"FFA gives students a broad knowledge of agriculture, but it’s not just agriculture. It also teaches leadership skills and helps prepare us for later on in life, whether preparing for college or for the workplace," says Tyler Hall, chapter reporter for the Scott Community, Kan., High School FFA. "The support helps a lot. It gives us more time to focus on chapter development instead of just on fundraising