FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas Department of Poultry Science recently received a donation of $28,123 from the USPoultry Harold E. Ford Foundation.

The foundation, named for a former executive with the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, promotes advancement of the poultry industry through education and training. Mike Kidd, department head and director for the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, said the gift will help support recruitment efforts such as the annual Poultry Science Youth Conference, the youth broiler show at the Arkansas State Fair, in-service training for faculty and recruiting activities.

"The Harold E. Ford Foundation contributions to the Poultry Science Department are vital to the mission of the department for recruiting future leaders of the poultry industry. The check will be used for numerous activities to educate youth on the career opportunities that a poultry science major has to offer," said Kidd. "These funds are vital because they help us recruit students who will become future leaders in the poultry industry."

The USPoultry Foundation board approved student recruiting grants totaling more than $326,300 to six U.S. universities with poultry science departments and 28 other institutions with poultry-related programs. The foundation provides annual recruiting funds to colleges and universities to attract students to their poultry programs.