Culver’s announces annual FFA Essay Contest

PRAIRIE DU SAC, Wis. — Advocating for the importance of agriculture and agricultural education has long been a commitment for Culver’s.

This year, in its ninth annual FFA Essay Contest, the national restaurant chain is partnering with U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action and the Decade of Ag movement for the first time to energize students around the creation of a sustainable and resilient agricultural future.

Culver’s longstanding relationship with FFA is part of its Thank You Farmers Project, an initiative that aims to advocate for the positive impact of agriculture while investing in agricultural education in order to create a more resilient and sustainable world.

Culver’s has donated over $4 million to agricultural causes through the Thank You Farmers Project since the program’s founding in 2013.

“There’s never been a more important time to have passionate and energized young leaders in agriculture, and FFA is at the forefront of making that a reality,” said Alison Demmer, Culver’s marketing and public relations manager and former Wisconsin FFA president.

“Partnering with USFRA and their Decade of Ag movement this year is the perfect opportunity to get students excited to share their ideas for a climate-smart, sustainable future of agriculture.”

Three FFA members will be selected as winners, earning prizes of $7,500, $5,000 and $2,500 for their FFA chapters to pursue additional educational projects and learning initiatives. Culver’s has awarded over $115,000 in prizes to contest finalists since 2015.

This year’s contest focuses on the Decade of Ag movement, which is facilitated by USFRA and brings together more than 160 organizations and leaders from the food and agriculture industries to work toward a climate-smart, sustainable future.

Culver’s has supported the movement since its official endorsement in 2020, and Culver’s Chief Marketing Officer Julie Fussner also serves as a member of USFRA’s board of directors.

This year’s essay prompt is: As a member of FFA and a future agricultural leader, what excites you about a movement like the Decade of Ag?

Written essays of 1,000 words or less and videos of five minutes or less will be accepted at culvers.com/essaycontest until the deadline at 9 a.m. CT on May 1.

Students must be active members of their FFA chapter for the 2023-2024 school year to be eligible.

To make a donation and join Culver’s in the mission to secure the future of agriculture and create a sustainable food supply, visit https://tinyurl.com/2s9b94ve.

To learn more about Culver’s Thank You Farmers Project, visit https://tinyurl.com/2aubsb3m.