Microsoft and the FFA Announce Partnership

North Dakota FFA Welcomes Microsoft Corp. and National FFA Organization to Announce Partnership and Programming

The National FFA Organization and Microsoft Corp. announce a partnership to bring the convergence of innovative technology, science, research and entrepreneurship to classrooms in North Dakota and throughout the United States through a new program, Blue 365.

Governor Doug Burgum (ND-R), National FFA CEO Mark Poeschl, Microsoft President Brad Smith, Vice President for Microsoft Philanthropies Mary Snapp, North Dakota USDA Director Clare Carlson and North Dakota FFA State President Brianna Maddock made this announcement Thursday, July 26 in Downtown Fargo.

“This is an exciting time for agriculture as technology – more than ever – connects with it,” says Brianna Maddock.  “North Dakota, its students and its FFA members are going to have incredible pieces of technology and access with the programming this partnership will bring.”

Blue 365 will be a comprehensive classroom initiative preparing today’s youth to become tomorrow’s leaders in agriculture.  Through Microsoft’s sponsorship, Blue 365 will serve as a catalyst for evolving sustainability, innovative efficiencies and cultivating talent within the agricultural sector across chapters across the country.

There are 84 FFA chapters in the state of North Dakota who may be impacted by this announcement and programming.

“Having this announcement and these folks in North Dakota illustrates the impact and importance of the youth in our state and presence of ND agriculture in our country and in the world,” says Tamra Maddock, Executive Director of the ND FFA Foundation.  “This is an exciting day for not only Microsoft and the members who will benefit from their partnership, but for North Dakota and the economy we proudly claim as number one; agriculture.”