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Restaurant chain awards a total of $15,000 to FFA chapters around the country to fund agricultural education and leadership opportunities

PRAIRIE DU SAC, Wis.—September 22, 2023—As the agriculture industry grows and evolves, it’s more important than ever to continue working to establish climate-smart practices that will impact the next generation to create a more sustainable future. In its ninth annual FFA Essay Contest, Culver’s asked students to share what excites them about agricultural programs spearheading this crucial work, like the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action’s (USFRA) Decade of Ag movement.

Culver’s selected three winning FFA members’ entries, donating a total of $15,000 to their chapters to help fund agricultural education and leadership opportunities, such as the trip to the 2023 National FFA Convention & Expo, Nov. 1-4, 2023:

• First place ($7,500): Clara K. of the Rowva FFA in Illinois
• Second place ($5,000): Sarah H. of the Locust Grove High School FFA in Georgia
• Third place ($2,500): Caleb S. of the Valmeyer FFA in Illinois

“Reading this year’s inspiring essay contest entries made it very clear that the future of agriculture is bright,” says Alison Demmer, Culver’s marketing and public relations manager and former Wisconsin FFA president. “Culver’s is thrilled to reward these young leaders for sharing why they’re so passionate and excited about USFRA’s Decade of Ag movement.”

Decade of Ag is facilitated by USFRA and brings together more than 160 organizations and leaders from the food and agriculture industries to work toward a climate-smart, sustainable future.

The excerpts below are highlights from this year’s three winning essays, which were selected by Culver’s and the National FFA Organization.

First-place winner Clara K. discussed the power of the consumer and how the ever-changing agriculture industry can meet them right where they are:

• “Our consumers are one of the most critical aspects of the agricultural industry and community. They are the ones who continue to purchase high-value, high-quality products from producers, like us. That is the reason why we simply need to meet our consumers right where they are and connect with them on shared experiences. Let’s understand that our customers, consumers and the wider community increasingly are interested in environmental stewardship, so let us be the ones who discuss it with them.”

Second-place recipient Sarah H. looks back on her years as an FFA member and thanks initiatives like the Decade of Ag for providing her and other members with the opportunity to create change:

• “Over the next ten or so years the Decade of Ag will continue working towards a better outcome for our nation as a whole as well as improving the future for those working towards an agricultural career, like myself. This movement will inspire the younger generations to keep working towards aiding our planet’s health as we battle with the industrialization that hurts it, and current FFA members can learn from leaders within this movement.”

Caleb S., third-place winner, wrote about the importance of appreciating agriculture and making space for it in our lives:

• • “To build excitement and appreciation for the agriculture industry, education initiatives must be launched to showcase the joy and wonder of agriculture. It is such an awe-inspiring industry that can interest anyone, whether that is because of plants, animals, business, engineering, medicine, etc., the agriculture industry has a place for every American, and that is such an important thing for every young person to understand. With this initiative, this understanding can happen.”

The FFA Essay Contest is part of the Thank You Farmers® Project, an initiative created by Culver’s that encourages smart farming through agricultural education programs. The Thank You Farmers Project has donated over $4 million to agricultural education over the last ten years and awarded $100,000 to FFA Essay Contest finalists since 2015. Learn more about how Culver’s supports agricultural education programs here.

About Culver's:

For over 39 years, Culver’s guests have been treated to cooked-to-order food made with farm-fresh ingredients and served with a smile. The ever-expanding franchise system now numbers over 900 family-owned and operated restaurants in 26 states. The restaurants’ nationally recognized customer service is based on small-town, Midwestern values, genuine friendliness and an unwavering commitment to quality. Signature items include the award-winning ButterBurger, made from fresh, never frozen beef, and Fresh Frozen Custard, including the famous Flavor of the Day program. For more information, visit www.culvers.com or connect with Culver’s on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

About National FFA Organization:

The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of more than 945,000 student members as part of 9,163 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook, X.

About USFRA:

U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action (USFRA) represents farmer and rancher-led organizations, and food and agricultural partners, with a common vision to further our global sustainable food systems. We believe farmers uniquely contribute to nourishing our planet, people, and natural resources. Our focus is creating a proactive collaboration between the best minds in food, agriculture, science, and technology to co-create solutions that will result in environmental, social, and economic sustainability. USFRA is serving as the secretariat for the Decade of Ag a shared vision for 2030 for US food and agriculture. Learn more at https://usfarmersandranchers.org.