Eight farmers whose entries were selected in the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program gathered together at the Fort Wayne Farm Show recently for a celebration. Six of the farmers were from Indiana, and two were from Ohio.
WINNERS, AND MORE WINNERS: Both farmers selected by the Monsanto Trust to direct funds to a non-profit in their community and representatives from the groups gathered recently to acknowledge the donations. (Photo: OsborneBarr)
What they had in common was that they were selected as winners in the program, which is sponsored by the Monsanto fund. As winners each could direct $2,500 toward a charity or non-profit organization of their choice. Spokespersons for the public relations agency representing the Monsanto Fund say that since 2010, the program has helped farmers in Indiana and Ohio alone direct $2.7 million to community groups, ranging from local fire departments to youth groups and many other community-minded organizations in between.
The northeast Indiana winners weren’t the only winners in Indiana. Other communities have benefitted from this program as well, both now and in the past. Organizers generally select ag farm show or large meeting in the community to present these awards. Typically, both the farmer who was selected and representatives from the non-profit group he or she supports are present at the ceremony.
Here are the six Indiana winners recognized at the farm show, and the organizations they chose to support. Their range of selections provides an idea of what type of programs have been supported through this effort.
• Cory Cox, Whitley County, directed his money to the Washington Township Fire Department in his community.
• John Maddox, Wells County, directed money to the Southern Wells Jr.-Sr. High School athletic fund.
• Jerry Ness, Noble County, picked the Noble County Community Foundation as the recipient.
• Marvin Werling, Allen County, asked that his donation go to Central Lutheran School.
• Michael Werling, a no-till farmer in Adams County, picked the Tri-State Watershed Alliance.
• Richard Kummer lives in Dekalb County. His choice was to see the donation go to the East Side High School FFA chapter.
For more details on the program, visit AmericasFarmers.com.
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