WESTCO, Land O' Lakes Foundation donate to Southeast FFA

WESTCO Agronomy Manager David Shields (far left) and General Manager David Briggs present the Southeast High School FFA chapter with donations totaling $10,000. The funds were made possible by the Land O'Lakes Foundation Member Coop Match Program. (Photo courtesy of Torrington Telegram)

The Southeast High School FFA chapter received a $10,000 donation from WESTCO and the Land O’Lakes Foundation. The donation was made possible by the Land O’Lakes Foundation Coop Match Program.

Southeast FFA will use the funds to expand their “Portable Farm Concept” designed by FFA Advisor Jay Clapper. As part of the program, students construct portable units, which offer miniature farm experiences. The program includes Adopt-A-sow, Bottle Calf, Meat Chicken, Corn Planter and Greenhouse.

“The vision is simple,” said Clapper. “As we get more and more removed from production agriculture, fewer students have the resources to allow them to participate. These portable farms are designed to be family friendly, low cost and most importantly offer the students real world experience in production agriculture.”

WESTCO General Manager David Briggs said, “WESTCO is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Land O’Lakes Foundation in supporting our schools, students and future agriculture leaders. This investment in the Southeast FFA chapter’s Portable Farm Concept will allow students to gain hands-on experience, learn new skills and train them for future careers in agriculture.”