Culver’s support of agricultural education surpasses $2 million

PRAIRIE DU SAC, Wis. — As the average age of a farmer rises to 58, Culver’s wants to ensure younger generations have access to agricultural education so they’re able to maintain our country’s future food supply. In 2018, the restaurant chain reported it donated $465,000 to agricultural education programs, including FFA.

The donations are part of Culver’s Thank You Farmers Project, an initiative that supports agricultural education programs that teach smart farming. In 2018, Culver’s efforts to raise money and awareness for the importance of agriculture included:

•Scoops of Thanks Day – a special day of giving where guests receive a scoop of Fresh Frozen Custard in return for a donation of $1 or more to local ag education programs – raised more than $111,000

•Restaurants and the Culver’s Support Center in Prairie du Sac came together to donate nearly 100 blue jackets to deserving ag students

•Culver’s FFA Essay Contest awarded a total of $15,000 in funds to three FFA chapters to help them participate in educational events

•Individual restaurants and their guests raised more than $200,000 for local ag education programs through fundraisers, donation canisters and sales of wall decals

FFA chapters bring A-game for Pioneer Big A Challenge

JOHNSTON, Iowa — Fifteen Iowa and Illinois FFA chapters will showcase their creativity in the Pioneer brand A-Series soybeans Big A Challenge, with their masterpieces displayed at the 2019 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill.

A judging panel selected the top 15 chapters in the collaboration between Pioneer and FFA that focuses on the next generation of soybean varieties and the next generation of growers. Each chapter will bring a unique perspective to decorating a 7-foot Big A statue, highlighting A-Series soybeans’ cutting-edge science and game-changing yield potential while celebrating local communities.

The 15 finalists, which will compete to win up to $2,500 for their chapter, are: Atlantic (Iowa) FFA; Clay City (Ill.) FFA; East Marshall FFA of Le Grand, Iowa; Farmington (Ill.) FFA; Maroa Forsyth (Ill.) FFA; Massac County FFA of Metropolis, Ill.; Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn-Remsen-Union FFA of Marcus, Iowa; Mount Ayr (Iowa) FFA of Iowa; Mulberry Grove (Ill.) FFA; Newell-Fonda FFA of Newell, Iowa; North Tama FFA of Traer, Iowa; Sibley-Ocheyedan FFA of Sibley, Iowa; Stewardson-Strasburg FFA of Strasburg, Ill.; Wayne FFA of Corydon, Iowa; and Wilton (Iowa) FFA.

FFA chapters were selected based on an essay highlighting how A-Series soybeans benefit farmers, and a sample design of their statue. Chapters will decorate the statues through May, with the top three winners awarded prize money – $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second and $1,000 for third – at the Farm Progress Show.

The public also will vote for their favorites on the Pioneer Facebook and Twitter pages, with the winning chapter receiving the People’s Choice Award and a special prize for its members. Follow #FFAseries on Facebook and Twitter to see the creativity of these chapters.