Culver's Names Top Three FFA Essay Contest Winners


PRAIRIE DU SAC, Wis.-The agriculture industry is ever-changing, from developing new technologies to establishing more sustainable practices that will impact the next generation. As a firm believer that today's young leaders will shape the future of the industry, Culver's asked students to share the ways agriculture is positively impacting the world in its eighth annual FFA Essay Contest.

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 2022 National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct. 26-29, 2022:

First place ($7,500): Jenna C. of the Logan County FFA in Kentucky

Second place ($5,000): Briella B. of the Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA in Wisconsin

Third place ($2,500): Anna B. of the Monroe City FFA in Missouri

"Giving students the opportunity to share the positive impact of agriculture encourages more youth to become engaged in the industry," says Alison Demmer, Culver's marketing and public relations manager and former Wisconsin FFA president. "It is evident that the future of agriculture is bright, and Culver's is proud to support the next generation of young leaders ready to make a difference."

The excerpts that follow are highlights from the three winning essays, which were selected by Culver's and the National FFA Organization.

First-place winner Jenna C. took advantage of Culver's video submission option to share the powerful message that agriculture affects everyone's lives - regardless of whether they work in agriculture:

"One US farm feeds about 166 people annually in the US and abroad. We enjoy an abundance of food in the United States and spend around 10% of our income on food each year, which is one of the lowest percentages in the world. Food sustains our dietary needs, but it provides so much more. Food brings us to the table to share meals with our families. Food is the celebrations and special occasions and connects our non-farming friends to the foundation of agriculture on a daily basis."

Briella B., second-place winner, referenced the words of the FFA Creed as she writes about how students can take action now and become engaged in agriculture:

"Agriculture has, is, and will continue to make a positive difference in feeding the population, innovating ideas, and producing biodegradable products. The final line of the FFA Creed reflects on how each individual is responsible for more than just themselves... I am the future of agriculture and it is my job to communicate the struggles of the past, the ideas of the present, and the benefits of the future to my community, my state, and my world."

Third-place winner Anna B. wrote about the positive impact urban agriculture has on creating a more environmentally healthy future:

"When looking back upon innovations in the agriculture industry, the most positively impacting ones are those like community gardens, rooftop farming, and hydroponics. These programs promote sustainable agriculture in urban settings. Urban agriculture allows for more efficient use of spaces and aids in cities going "green." These practices result in not only environmental health, but farming for a better future."

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 $3.5 million to agricultural education over the last eight years and given $85,000 to FFA Essay Contest finalists. Learn more about how Culver's supports agricultural education programs Here

About Culver's

For over 35 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 850 family-owned and operated restaurants in 25 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, www.culvers.com/facebook, www.twitter.com/culvers or www.instagram.com/culvers.

About National FFA Organization:

The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of more than 850,000 student members as part of 8,995 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, Twitter.


Source: Culver's news release