Raffle to benefit ag students

A statewide raffle organized is raising money for students pursuing agriculture and plant science degrees.

The raffle, promoted noxious weed departments, features a Tristar Matrix 12-gauge shotgun, with tickets priced at $20. Proceeds will support multiple scholarships for Kansas high school seniors planning to attend in-state colleges or universities in agriculture-related fields.

“We’re looking at about seven scholarships,” county noxious weed director Josh Housman said.

Eligibility includes students connected to weed departments as well as those entering agricultural studies.

Applicants must pursue coursework tied to agriculture, agronomy, or plant science — fields that are closely tied to the work of county weed departments.

“We work really closely with the farmers, helping them keep their pastures clean of noxious weeds,” Housman said.

This is the third year the state weed department association has used a firearm raffle to pay for scholarships. The drawing will take place March 4 at the group’s annual conference.

Tickets are available through local weed departments, including Marion County’s.