There is no doubt that many of you will agree supporting youth in agriculture is a valuable thing for our future. These youth already have an interest in agriculture and we’ve got to keep them excited and passionate about it.
When I was in FFA our community was full of people who supported agriculture’s youth. The support came in all kinds from the people who attended our annual chili supper and banquets to those who helped us raise chapter funds through fruit sales. Every bit of their support was truly appreciated.
In college as an ag major I continued to see this type of generosity. I was fortunate enough to receive scholarships through the ag department’s annual scholarship banquet. For me it made a big difference.
I recently had the chance to give back to local youth studying agriculture by volunteering as an alumnus to raise scholarship money for students attending the Darr School of Agriculture. For months a group of alumni worked with staff at Missouri State University School of Agriculture to plan the Ag Celebration with Alumni and Friends, a new event the agriculture alumni association plans to hold annually.
The Ag Celebration featured a wine tasting of MSU’s Mountain Grove Cellars, entertainment by Dr. Jerry Crownover, silent auction, live auction and live music performed by Whetstone from Mountain Grove, Mo. The event was a huge success gathering over 200 people and raising more than $11,000.
This year at the 75th annual ag scholarship banquet the ag alumni associate was able to award six students with the money that the Ag Celebration raised. The six students that received these awards have demonstrated a strong work ethic and character. These students were very deserving and will do great things for agriculture. It was my pleasure to give back.
I hope I am not alone in appreciating the support I’ve received over the years. I hope you can find it in your heart to help local youth in any way that you can.
Just another quick reminder, I am still collecting recipes for our Country Christmas Cookbook. You can send recipes to PO Box 1319, Lebanon, MO 65536, fax recipes to 417-532-4721 or email recipes to [email protected]. Don’t forget to include your name and hometown.
Best wishes,
