Southern Minn

Minnesota

Congratulations to the Renville County West FFA

Watch the short video to learn more about this amazing organization!

2024 Winner: Renville County West FFA

The Renville County West (RCW) FFA recently received $10,000 from ACH Seeds’ 2024 Homegrown Giving program to enhance learning opportunities for its students. This generous donation will enable the RCW agricultural program to purchase much needed welding equipment to prepare students for future trade careers and expand their horizons with fields trips to local agricultural businesses.

RCW’s FFA and agriculture program has made a lasting impact on the community, extending well beyond the classroom. Initiatives such as the community garden, a cornerstone for eight years, not only provides fresh produce to the community but also teaches students valuable skills such as harvesting, canning and freezing produce. Additionally, the program offers a Safety Day for younger students and various summer agricultural activities, fostering a connection between education and life skills.

ACH Seeds central region manager Jake Boersma presents the check to Meghan Beckendorf (ag teacher and FFA advisor) and Jason Stewig (RCW ag teacher and FFA advisor).

The Homegrown Giving donation will allow Stewig to purchase newer welders to give his students experience that may help them land a job someday.

Beckendorf shows students how to process the vegetables grown in the garden into canned goods.

Students help grow and manage a garden that provides fresh fruit and vegetables to the community.

Hear from the Winner

Without the support from ACH Seeds, we’d be welding with our 1950s equipment for the next 20 years. Words can’t express how grateful we are for this opportunity.

Jason Stewig RCW Ag Education Teacher & FFA Advisor