The $6,000 grant will be used to aid in student recruiting and retention efforts for the school’s poultry science programme.

The grant was made possible by an endowing Foundation gift from Hubbard Farms Charitable Foundation.

Paul Hill, West Liberty Foods, Ellsworth, Iowa, USPOULTRY Foundation chairman said: "It is crucial that we endeavor to interest bright young people to study careers in the poultry industry.

"We need astute young managers to join our companies, as they will be the leaders of our industry tomorrow.

"USPOULTRY Foundation recruiting grants play an important role in encouraging students to enroll in industry-related studies and in becoming future industry leaders of tomorrow."

In 2016, the USPOULTRY Foundation board approved student recruiting grants totaling $291,000 to 32 colleges and universities across the United States with a poultry science department or industry-related degree programme.

The Harold E. Ford Foundation provides annual recruiting funds to colleges and universities to attract students to their poultry programmes.

The grants are made possible by gifts to the foundation from companies, individuals and families, in addition to funds earned over the years at the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE).