Project funding available for FFA chapters 

Does your local FFA chapter need funding for its next animal science lab, community garden or other agricultural project? Tractor Supply Co. is launching its third annual Grants for Growing campaign, a grant program designed to support local FFA chapters that want to make a difference in their communities through sustainable agriculture-focused projects. 

To qualify for a grant, FFA advisors must visit FFA.org/grantsforgrowing and submit an application by Feb. 14. The submission process requires entrants to provide a detailed proposal, including how they will start, maintain or expand on a project that will benefit their communities.

Winning chapters will receive grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 in the spring.

Since 2016, this initiative has funded 692 grants supporting projects involving 69,134 students. 2017 grant recipients included a hydroponic vegetable garden from the Hart County FFA and the King City FFA Chapter’s Agriculture Day, where sixth-graders were given the opportunity to learn more about technology in agriculture.

“FFA is well-known for its civic-centered initiatives,” says Jessica Holmes, marketing manager at Tractor Supply Co. “Whether it’s a project focused around greenhouse development, public landscaping or livestock, by applying for a grant, FFA advisors help increase their students’ ability to make long-term community impacts.”

To support the program, Tractor Supply will host a 10-day in-store fundraising period Feb. 16-25, which gives customers the opportunity to donate at checkout. All in-store donations will remain within the state they are donated. For more details about the program, visit FFA.org/grantsforgrowing.

Source: Tractor Supply Co.

2018 Illinois Forage Institute

The Illinois Forage and Grassland Council will host the 2018 Illinois Forage Institute at Rend Lake Community College in Ina, Ill., on March 14. The program begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m.

Discussion topics include:
• cover crop species for forage and nutrition sources
• hayland and forage economics and hay calculator use
• soil fertility and grazing management for integrated weed control
• challenges of grazing lush forages     
• sorghum species in forage systems
• pasture, rangeland and forage insurance
• forage species selection and seeding methods

The cost to attend the seminar is $15 for IFGC members, $20 for nonmembers and $10 for students. Lunch is included in the registration fee, and certified crop advisor credits are available.

The program will include IFGC recognition awards and information on the upcoming 2018 Illinois Forage Expo. Nominations for IFGC awards are due Feb. 13. 

To register or find more information, visit illinoisforage.org. Registrations submitted after March 7 or at the door will be $20 for IFGC members and $25 for nonmembers.

Source: Illinois Forage and Grassland Council

Gathering of the Green returns to Quad Cities

Get ready for the biannual Gathering of the Green, held March 21-24 in Davenport, Iowa’s RiverCenter. Over the years, thousands of participants have traveled to the Quad Cities to spend time with fellow John Deere fans at this event.

Gathering of the Green activities will include:
• restoration-related technical and historical workshops
• vendors offering repair and restoration services; new, used and reproduction parts; manuals and literature; tires; signs, art and decals; toys; clothing; memorabilia and more
• antique tractors and implements of all years and models on display
• fun auction
• opening welcome reception
• speakers including Neil Dahlstrom, John Deere archivist and author, and Graham Thompson, Deere & Co.’s long-range planner

For more information or to register, visit gatheringofthegreen.com. The cost is $40 for the entire gathering or $10 per day. If you have questions, call 563-845-3298, text “Gathering Information” to that same number, or email [email protected].

Source: Gathering of the Green