By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

The Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts is now taking applications for the annual George McKibben Memorial Scholarship.

This opportunity is open for college juniors or seniors who are enrolled in a four-year agriculture program at any state college in Illinois.

Debbie Ruff, Ag Literacy Coordinator for the Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District, explained the significance of these $500 scholarship.

“It was set up in honor of Mr. George McKibben. He’s actually called the father of no-till. It was through his research and his pushing and prodding of farmers in his areas that a lot of our farmers today use some form of no-till or strip-till,” said Ruff.

Applications may be downloaded online at aiswcd.org. The deadline for submitting applications is May 15. For more information, call 815-844-6127 extension 3.