FOUNDATION from page 24.
The demonstrations will be
simple, using fresh produce from
the market. Vernon County
youth groups will share in the
responsibility of providing these
demonstrations.
“As a rural community, the
benefits of having this new Home
Economics Building and Pavilion
are tremendous,” says Nathan
Forkner, Vernon County Fair
Board President. “We also believe
that involving our youth with the
Top: FCS Financial Rural Community and Agriculture
Foundation presents $15,000 during a groundbreaking
ceremony for the Vernon County Home Economics
Building and Pavilion. Bottom: The Foundation presents
$15,000 to DeKalb High School greenhouse project.
Vernon County Farmer’s Market
promotes youth development and
contributes to the agricultural
and economic growth in our
community. We appreciate the
support of all donors including
FCS Financial as well as the
community.”
In December the DeKalb
26 HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2018
High School received $15,000 to
support the construction of a new
greenhouse for the Agriculture
Education department. The new
facility, expected to be complete in
January 2019, will prepare students
to enter the ag industry and benefit
the local community.
“The new greenhouse will
allow us to conduct plant science
projects year round. Science
and technology has become a
huge part of the plant science
industry in the United States,”
says Aaron Medsker, DeKalb High
School Ag Instructor. “Much of
the improvements in U.S. crop
yields has been due to scientific
technology. Therefore, there is
a need for students who have
a background in plant science
and can continue the scientific
breakthroughs needed to feed a
growing world.”
The 18’ x 36’ greenhouse
from International Greenhouse
Company will include adequate
heating and cooling so it can be
used year-round allowing students
to conduct Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math (STEM)
research projects continuously.
The students will also be able to
take what they learned with their
greenhouse projects and compete
in the Missouri FFA Agriscience
Fair that showcases plant and
animal research projects.
“These projects can be as
simple as basic plant propagation
techniques to more advanced
studies in the role of light, water
and nutrients on plant growth,”
says Medsker. “These projects can
also delve into plant breeding. If
we can teach high school students
the scientific process and give them
a working knowledge of the plant
science industry, they will be more
apt to enter into this field.”
The new greenhouse will not
only benefit DeKalb’s students but
also impact the local community.
The FFA Chapter intends to use
the greenhouse to raise plants and
vegetables. Plants will be grown for
the FFA Chapter’s plant sale. The
addition of vegetables enables the
students to learn skills in raising
their own food and provides a
chance to serve the community
by harvesting them for use in the
school cafeteria and/or given to
those in need.
The FCS Financial Rural
Community and Agriculture
Foundation represents the
cooperative’s long-term
commitment to a thriving and
prosperous agricultural industry
and our rural communities. The
Foundation focuses on targeted,
long-term investments.
“FCS Financial is
committed to supporting our
rural communities by providing
assistance for projects that
contribute significant value to our
industry and youth education,”
says David Janish, FCS Financial
CEO. “Both the Home Economics
Building in Vernon County and
the greenhouse at DeKalb High
School promote ag awareness,
education and careers as well as
community involvement.”
Additional information
and an application are available
at www.myfcsfinancial.com.
Choose “Special Programs” under
the “About Us” tab or email
[email protected].