MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - After a recent presentation by Marysville High Future Farmers of America (FFA) leadership students, the Yuba River Endowment board of directors voted unanimously to donate $40,000 to their chapter. Marysville High’s FFA is the largest in the region, with 435 members currently.

Last year, the Endowment also donated $40,000 to Marysville High’s FFA program. The students presented a summary of how those funds were used, with half going towards the students’ National Convention attendance and half towards attending Career and Leadership Development Events (CDE and LDE).

“The Endowment’s support helped us send 20 students to the National Convention,” said Marysville High FFA Advisor, Alex Nisson. “Those students were able to visit three different states, two colleges, three ag tours, many sightseeing adventures, and more. The Endowment’s continued support means our students’ out-of-pocket costs can remain reasonable, so more students will have the opportunity to participate.”

The Yuba River Endowment is composed of Yuba County farmers from eight different irrigation districts who have a right to water that flows on the Yuba River. In some years these farmers are able to both farm their own land and transfer a portion of their water to drought-stricken areas of the state. A portion of the proceeds from these water transfers goes to the Endowment. Since formation in late 2019, the Endowment has donated over $650,000 to support Yuba County ag education, provide food resources, veteran’s support, scholarships and much more.

“Our motto for the Endowment is ‘Local Farmers Giving Back’,” said local farmer and Yuba River Endowment President, Al Lassaga. “It’s vital to the future of ag in Yuba County that we foster and support our future farmers. The best way to do that is to maintain strong 4-H and FFA chapters.”

To stay updated on Marysville High School FFA’s activities, visit www.facebook.com/marysvillehighffa.