By DEBORAH BEHRENDS
Illinois Correspondent

DEKALB, Ill. — Monsanto’s DeKalb seed corn brand recently made a donation of an undisclosed amount to the newly-formed DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Assoc. (DAAHA) to support its mission of collecting, preserving and sharing the history of agriculture and its innovators in northern Illinois.

Based in DeKalb, Ill., DAAHA is collaborating with DeKalb and Monsanto to recognize and celebrate the farmers who came together in 1912 to establish the DeKalb County Soil Improvement Assoc. This group of innovative agriculturists laid the foundation for what became the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, one of the nation’s first Farm Bureaus, and also for what became one of the nation’s leading seed brands and iconic names in agriculture – DeKalb.
”DAAHA is delighted to receive this generous donation, and we are pleased to collaborate with the famous DeKalb brand to help highlight the importance of this farmer-led initiative to local, national and global agriculture,” said Ron Klein, president of the DAAHA board of directors. “The board has laid out some very ambitious goals. This contribution, together with key support from other individuals and organizations, will enable us to significantly advance our unique mission for the benefit of this community.”

“For us, the 100th anniversary of this grassroots farmer movement next year will also recognize the commitment for the DeKalb brand to continue to provide industry-leading products that deliver innovation and performance to DeKalb customers,” said Jason Hoag, DeKalb brand marketing manager.

“That commitment had its origins in DeKalb nearly a century ago, which is why we’re so pleased to recognize and support the efforts of the DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Assoc. to preserve and perpetuate this great legacy.”
Formed in 2010, DAAHA’s board includes former employees of DeKalb Genetics Corp., representatives of the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, various historical organizations and other community members. Formerly known as the DeKalb Agricultural Assoc. and DeKalb AgResearch, DeKalb Genetics was purchased by Monsanto in 1998.

The company is best known for its leading role in the development of hybrid corn and other agricultural products, and for creating the world-famous DeKalb “winged-ear” logo. Monsanto continues to operate three facilities in the Waterman area of DeKalb County.

DAAHA credits its formation to the efforts and foresight of three groups: the DeKalb Alumni Assoc., the DeKalb County Farm Bureau and the DeKalb Park District. The organization offers educational exhibits and programs at the Nehring Gallery, at 204 S. Second St. in DeKalb.

Future plans include mobile display units; classroom programs; an interactive, online virtual museum; and the ongoing collection and archiving of historical records that support its mission. For details, e-mail DAAHA.inc@gmail.com
For more information about DeKalb, farmers may contact their local DeKalb dealer, visit www.DEKALB.com or follow its business on Facebook at www.face book.com/DEKALB