DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 26, 2009 – As part of Ford Motor Company’s continued support of the National FFA Organization, Ford Trucks is proud to announce that, superstar Toby Keith will kick off the 82nd National FFA Convention exclusively with a concert for 55,000 FFA members in Indianapolis on Wednesday, October 21. The 2009 Convention will represent 61 years of Ford Motor Company's sponsorship of FFA.

“I am really happy to be playing at the convention. I have been an FFA member and proud of it.  We are going to have a big party at the stadium in Indianapolis,” said Toby Keith.

More than 55,000 FFA members from all over the country are expected to arrive in Indianapolis, Ind., for the 2009 National FFA Convention, themed Lead Out Loud. 

“Toby Keith is an outright superstar, and certainly the highest profile artist ever to perform at the national FFA convention,” said FFA Convention Director Dale Crabtree. “The official announcement of this concert will generate tons of excitement and anticipation for our members. And we would like to thank Ford Trucks for making it happen.”

Ford has supported the National FFA Foundation since the first F-Series truck was introduced in 1948.  The company has sponsored the Built Ford Tough collegiate scholarship program since 1997.  Last year, Ford celebrated its 60^th year of involvement with the FFA and awarded 460 Built Ford Tough scholarships.  Each scholarship recipient received $1,000 to continue their agriculture education at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational school.  Over the past 13 years, Ford Motor Company and Ford dealers have donated more than $5.5 million to more than 5,500 FFA members.

“Ford recognizes that education in agriculture is as important now as it has ever been and we are proud to continue our partnership with the FFA again in 2009,” said Kevin Schebil, Ford Motor Company.  “The addition of Toby Keith on behalf of Ford Trucks at this year’s national FFA convention is the icing on the cake.”

For more information on the 2009 National FFA Convention, visit www.ffa.org.