COLUMBUS — Students pursuing agricultural degrees with ties to United Producers Inc. are eligible to apply for college scholarships from the Columbus based livestock marketing service.

United Producers Inc. represents more than 45,000 livestock producers in the Midwest. It offers livestock marketing services to farmer members along with risk management and financial services.

UPI is offering two $1,000 scholarships in each of its 16 districts to high school and college students pursuing agricultural degrees.

“The future of agriculture depends on those who are currently considering and pursuing a career in this critical industry,” said Dennis Bolling, president and CEO United Producers Inc. “We want to do all we can to encourage students who have an interest in agribusiness, farming, veterinary medicine or other agriculture-based industries to pursue their careers, and this is our way of helping them do so.”

Applicants must be a preferred member of UPI or a child or grandchild of a preferred member as well as a 2012 graduating high school senior enrolled in, or a student currently attending, a college or technical school studying an agriculture-related field. Completed applications and essays must be postmarked by April 1.

Application forms are available for downloading at www.uproducers.com.