AgCredit Awards $84,000 in Grants to Rural Agricultural Organizations

AgCredit, one of northern Ohio’s largest lenders for farmers, rural homeowners and agribusiness, is pleased to announce the 2019 recipients of its Mission Fund.

Now in its second year, the grant program was created to support AgCredit’s commitment to investing in the future of agriculture and positively impacting the quality of life in rural Ohio. Applicants were selected to receive funding based on meeting criteria in four focus areas:

• Education – Educating young, beginning or future farmers.
• Environment – Maintaining or improving the quality of the rural environment.
• Technology – Supporting the advancement and use of technology for the benefit of farmers and rural communities.
• Quality of Rural Life – Sustaining programs, projects or initiatives that enhance the quality of life for farmers and rural communities.

This year’s Mission Fund grant recipients are:

Cardington Vocational Agriculture Farm Assn., Morrow County, $15,000

Maintain the farm and reduce the impact of a loss of crop income due to extreme weather issues.

Putnam County Ohio Swine Improvement Committee, Putnam County, $15,000

Improve the livestock barns and show arena at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.

Ohio FFA Foundation, Franklin County, $15,000

Send 78 FFA students to the Ohio FFA Convention, Ohio FFA Camp Muskingum and Washington Leadership Conference.

Lindsey Volunteer Fire Department, Sandusky County, $14,905

Purchase an agriculturally focused rescue trailer.

Van Wert County Junior Fair Board, Van Wert County, $10,000

Convert an existing structure at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds into an indoor livestock show arena.

Pemberville American Legion Post #183 Calf Club, Wood County, $7,095

Strengthen the roof structure and increase ventilation of an existing barn.

Parker’s Purpose, Sandusky County, $7,000

Purchase iPads for parents and educators to help children with autism better communicate.

"We at AgCredit believe that giving back is the best investment for the future of agriculture and our rural communities,” says Brian Ricker, AgCredit President and CEO.  “We look forward to many more years of awarding grants to worthy groups such as these. Their commitment to improving our communities is priceless."

Organizations can apply for Mission Fund grants for up to $15,000 per year. The 2020 application process will begin in March. For more information, visit AgCredit.net.