CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The hard-working men and women of the state of Illinois’ agriculture industry will be recognized during the Illinois-Purdue football game on October 4.

During the game against the Purdue Boilermakers, the University of Illinois and its athletics multimedia rights holder, Learfield Sports’ Fighting Illini Sports Properties, will honor the state’s agriculture/agribusiness industry and celebrate those who are committed to improving Illinois’ health and economy. In addition, Professor and Dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Robert Hauser, will receive a check earmarked for his college in the amount of $8,000 for continued growth of related programming and for the recruitment of future students to the college.

Accompanying Dean Hauser for the on-field check presentation and celebration will be representatives from the following eight companies that have generously provided the funds: AgriLogic, Beck’s Hybrid, Fertilizer Dealer Supply, Case IH, Farm Credit, CHS, Tate and Lyle and Stone Seed Group. Most of the participating companies are corporate partners of Illinois Athletics with various levels of activation overseen by Fighting Illinois Sports Properties.
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“The College of ACES is most grateful and excited to be able to award this new scholarship to talented undergraduates interested in careers related to food, agriculture, and the environment,” said Hauser. “The willingness of these companies to step forward and help deserving students attend ACES is most appreciated.”

“Agriculture is a vital industry for the state of Illinois, and it’s time that we pay a special tribute to this important sector on a very public stage during a big game against one of our conference rivals,” said Chris Andrews, general manager for Fighting Illini Sports Properties, the local Learfield Sports’ entity that works alongside Illinois Athletics. “Many of the university’s athletic partners are key leaders in their respective business areas in the Ag industry and are pleased to see us dedicate a game to their livelihood.”