Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is increasing the number of bursaries it's awarding in 2015.

The organization has announced that it will be offering six $500 bursaries this year to Manitoba students, up from four last year.

"We are proud to offer these bursaries to our members and their children," said Manitoba Beef Producers President Heinz Reimer. "The expansion of Manitoba’s beef industry is a major focus of ours and for the industry to grow we will require skilled labour in our rural areas."

The bursaries are available to MBP members or their children who are attending a university, college or other post-secondary institution. Students pursuing trades training are also eligible.

Interested students are required to submit an essay no more than 600 words in length discussing what the beef industry means to them, their family, community and Manitoba at large.

Those applying must be at least 17 years old as of January 1, 2015. The deadline to apply is June 5, 2015.

Applications can be found on the MBP website.