On the field or in the fields, Nebraska athletes and farmers share values, a bond and a commitment to hard work, statewide pride and national leadership, according to Nebraska Athletic Director Tom Osborne.

Osborne recently announced creation of Cornhusker Co-Op, a new fundraising partnership between Nebraska Athletics and farmers.

"Working together, we think we can take our athletic department to a higher level," Osborne says. "There's a healthy respect for what athletes and farmers are required to do every year to be successful, so we believe with some teamwork and some trust, we can produce a partnership that will be truly unique."

With agreements between Nebraska Athletics and large grain elevators in Aurora, Dorchester and York, and other local locations that will be announced, elevator managers are authorized to designate portions of a farmer grain as a donation to Nebraska's Athletic Department.

"The only thing the local farmer needs after driving up to the local grain elevator is to designate what portion of that particular harvest will go to Nebraska Athletics," says Mike Dobbs, Nebraska Development Officer.

Using an existing account at a trusted business makes contributing to Nebraska Athletics hassle-free, according to Dobbs, who is working with co-ops and farmers to broaden the program across the state.

"We appreciate the support from Nebraska farmers," Dobbs says, "and we've earmarked various forms of recognition from the Athletic Department to give something back--from decals and special hats to facility tours and picnics. We see this partnership as an extension to our athletic family."

Farmers interested in participating in Cornhusker Co-Op can contact the Nebraska Athletic Development Office at 402-472-2367.