The Horn O’ Plenty FFA chapter at Greene County High School is the recipient of $2,500 in Monsanto Fund’s America’s Farmers Grow Communities program.
In the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, eligible farmers in 1,289 counties across 39 states, including Iowa, could enter to win a $2,500 donation for the local nonprofit group of their choosing. Susan Burkett of Grand Junction won and chose to direct the donation to the high school FFA chapter.
More than 82,000 farmers from across the country participated in the program this year, with a winning farmer selected in each eligible county.
“The purpose of Grow Communities is to recognize and celebrate the important contributions farmers make to rural American, and to help them grow their communities by supporting local organizations that are important to them,” explained Joe Hora, district manager of Channel Seeds of Carroll, a Monsanto company.
Two Burkett sons, freshman Mason and junior Cody, are in FFA. “They’re both getting a lot out of it. We have a new FFA advisor who’s a go-getter and really doing a lot for our program. And I saw an opportunity that I could help and I wanted to do that for them,” Susan Burkett said.
According to Cortney Schmidt, FFA chapter advisor, the money will be used for projects like updating the greenhouse at the high school and purchasing stock for the aquaculture project. “There are so many things we’d like to do. We’re very grateful for this donation so we can get started on them,” Schmidt said.
The chapter has grown to 75 members and has increased its participation in many things. Wade Wuebker has advanced to the state level of the FFA radio broadcasting contest. Kirsten St Clair and Lakota Larson were selected for the FFA band, and Noelle Gray, Molly Hoskins and Shannon Brown were selected to sing in the FFA choir at the FFA Leadership Conference April 28-29 in Ames. (Remember to click on the photo to enlarge it in a new screen.)
Also, Gray was the state winner of the GROWMARK/FS essay contest for FFA members. She won a $500 scholarship and the Greene County chapter will receive $300. See People to Know under the Features tab to read more.
