Farmland recognized the National FFA Organization and its positive impact on the agricultural industry through a check donation of $100,000. The gift is part of 2021 Honoring the Heartland Tour, an initiative launched by Farmland in June to show appreciation for the honest work and tireless commitment in Midwest farming communities, agriculture industries, and retail establishments, and to support the next generation of farmers, which includes the more than 760,000 current FFA student members.
Ending in September, the brand’s 13-week mission honors the unsung heroes of our agri-food chain. It highlights the heartland’s fundamental role by delivering grab-n-go lunches and providing monetary donations to support the future of farming. The Farmland Honoring The Heartland Tour food truck completes two to three stops per week at various locations in Midwestern neighborhoods, including its stop at the Johnson County Fair earlier today. In addition to distributing meals, the brand has donated $40,000 thus far to the National FFA Organization and state-level FFA Associations throughout the tour to assist them in growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture at the local, state, and national levels.
This additional $100,000 donation will support the mission of the National FFA Organization, making a positive difference in students’ lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. As the category evolves to increase production, innovate for the future, and improve environmental and economic sustainability, institutions like this are vital in creating the next generation of leaders and ensuring a positive future for the critical industry.
“Over the past several months, Farmland has had the privilege to be on the ground in the heartland serving extraordinary and passionate organizations across the Midwest, providing us with endless inspiration to fuel our continued commitment,” said Michael Merritt, Jr., senior director for Farmland at Smithfield Foods. “Today, we’re pleased to continue our pledge with a $100,000 donation to the National FFA Organization so they may continue to focus on youth leadership development and equip the next generation of agriculture enthusiasts with valuable real-world information and opportunities, helping to ensure that America’s heartland can continue to feed the world.
“As FFA continues to prepare young people for the challenges of feeding a growing population, we are grateful for the continued support from Farmland,” said Cassy Puskala, regional director for the National FFA Foundation. “Their contributions provide a sustainable impact on the organization at the local, state, and national levels to help carry out the mission.”
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 760,000 student members and 8,700 local FFA chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
As part of the donation event at the Johnson County Fair in Tecumseh, Neb., the Farmland food truck also supplied bacon-filled samples to community residents.
