MARSHALL, Minn. – The Southwest Minnesota State University athletics department announced on Friday that the Ag Bowl Scholarship Challenge scheduled for Saturday has been postponed.

This year's Ag Bowl Challenge, had eight teams registered to compete, but due to the timing of the event as related to the start of classes for area high schools, it was realized that many of the FFA chapter teams would not have the necessary time to prepare for the competition. 

SMSU athletics staff members will be working with area FFA chapter advisors to reschedule the event for later this fall.

The Ag Bowl Scholarship Challenge – which was started last year - provides an opportunity for young people to learn about and present topics related to the future of agriculture. Local FFA chapters and 4-H groups were set to compete in three categories: agricultural issues, marketing and communications with the Food, Safety and Modernization Act serving as the theme of the event.

All other activities surrounding seventh annual Ag Bowl, presented by Ralco, will continue as planned. Starting at 1 p.m., activities for all ages begin, including a petting zoo, pony rides, tractor displays, mechanical bull ride, Ag Olympics and inflatable games.

The HyVee/Hormel Food Zone is back again and will serve great food and beverages starting at 1:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.  Also featured will be live music from 1:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Again this year, Ag Bowl raffle tickets will be available for just $10 and gives participants a chance to win numerous great prizes. The grand prize is either a Polaris 50cc youth ATV or a Honda 50cc scooter from Action Sports, while two $500 gift cards from HyVee, a 12-gauge shotgun and a 42-inch flat screen television will also be awarded.  The raffle winners will be announced at halftime of the football game on Saturday night.
The day is capped by the SMSU football season-opening game versus St. Cloud State starting at 6 p.m.