Caldwell County High School FFA will now be able to further support their education thanks to the support of local farmer, Craig Roberts, and America’s Farmers Grow Communities. This marks the third consecutive year a Caldwell County farmer was chosen by the program.
Sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, which is the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Co., Grow Communities provides farmers in eligible counties the chance to win a $2,500 donation for a local nonprofit organization of their choice. To further support counties declared natural disaster areas by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) due to the drought this year; winning farmers in these counties are able to direct double donations, a total of $5,000.
Caldwell County was declared a disaster area by the USDA, giving Roberts the opportunity to choose two organizations to receive $2,500 donations. He selected the Caldwell County High School FFA to receive both donations. The FFA plans to upgrade the Caldwell County Greenhouse that was established in 1996.
The Caldwell County Agriculture Department plans to replace the current polycarbonate siding and roof residing on the greenhouse, new siding will be energy efficient and allow more light transfer making the growing season shorter. The current polycarbonate has algae and crack from continued weathering. With additional funds, the FFA would like to make the second freestanding greenhouse a structure that can withstand the constant wind that blows everyday due to its location on the top of a hill. This greenhouse is currently covered in a polyethylene plastic that allows for light transfer but isn’t as reliable and secure. A heating and cooling system should be added to this greenhouse to make it useful year round. The Caldwell County FFA hopes to also introduce a hydroponics system in this second greenhouse that will supplement produce for the high school cafeteria. Finally, they plan to construct an area for a community garden and offer an alternative garden spot for FFA members.
“The future of agriculture lies in the hands of our youth, that's why it's so important to me to be able to support it,” said Roberts.
This year, the Monsanto Fund will invest nearly $6 million in rural America through Grow Communities, which includes double donations for counties impacted by the historic drought.
In Kentucky, $160,000 is being given across 32 counties, including Crittenden, Livingston, Union and Webster counties. Last week, Crittenden County's Philip Parish was given the opportunity to present a $2,500 check to both the Jake Hodge Memorial Scholarship Fund and Cali Cares, his daughter's effort to provide blankets to severe cancer patients.
Next week, read about Ledbetter's Anthony Calendar's choice for his two $2,500 donations. A check presentation will be held 10 a.m. Thursday at the Girl Scout Paducah Office, 711 Jefferson St., Paducah.
Webster County farmer Paul Tapp and Union County farmer Becky Steward have also been chosen as 2013 by America's Farmers Grow Communities.
The program is sponsored by the Monsanto Fund to partner with farmers in helping them positively impact their communities. This program is part of the Monsanto Fund’s overall effort to strengthen rural America.
For a complete list of Grow Communities winners and more program information, please visit growcommunities.com.
