Local farmers, Tony and Marsha Shafer, recently directed a $2,500 America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation, sponsored by Bayer Fund, to Pierce County 4-H Pierce County 4-H will use the funds to support educational programs for their over 800 youth enrolled in the Pierce County 4-H program.

“We have always been involved in 4-H, from being project leaders to club leaders. Our kids and now our grandkids are in the program.”, said Tony Shafer, recipient and farmer from Elmwood, Wisconsin. “We have always had a big part in the livestock program. Dairy, swine, and beef but the 4-H program as a whole is great so where ever the funds go we know they will be put to good use.”

Since 2010, the America’s Farmers programs have awarded more than $57 million to nonprofits, aspiring ag students and public schools across rural America. Farmers know the needs of their communities best, so the America’s Farmers programs rely on them to help identify the most worthy causes.

The Grow Communities program partners with farmers across the country to provide nonprofit organizations with resources to strengthen their local communities. Each August, farmers can enter for the chance to direct a $2,500 Grow Communities donation to a local eligible nonprofit of their choice. Farmers have directed donations to food banks, emergency response organizations, schools, youth agriculture programs and many others that reflect the spirit and support the vibrancy of rural America.

“Farmers truly understand the needs of their communities and where the opportunities to strengthen them exist. We partner with them to identify the nonprofit organizations that benefit from Grow Communities donations,” said Al Mitchell, Bayer Fund president. “Each donation shines a light on the organizations that are making a positive difference in rural communities across the country. Bayer Fund is proud to partner with farmers to give back in rural America.”

To learn how you can be an America’s Farmers Grow Communities recipient, visit www.AmericasFarmers.com. The America’s Farmers Grow Communities 2021 program will kick off on August 1, 2020, and farmers will once again have the opportunity to enroll for a chance to direct a donation to a local eligible nonprofit of their choice.

America’s Farmers, sponsored by Bayer Fund, is focused on strengthening rural America through three community outreach programs that partner with farmers to make an impact in communities where farmers live and work. The programs have given more than $57 million to rural America since 2010 and include:

•America’s Farmers Grow Communities supports rural communities by allowing farmers the opportunity to direct a $2,500 donation to their favorite local nonprofit organization.

•America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education supports rural education by providing $15,000 merit-based grants to enhance STEM education.

•America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders supports students pursuing ag-related studies by offering $1,500 scholarships towards higher education.

To learn more, visit America’s Farmers at www.AmericasFarmers. com.