Ports of Indiana supports Mount Vernon FFA with land lease
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The Ports of Indiana is continuing a tradition of helping Mount Vernon High School FFA students grow crops and raise funds for future educational programs. The statewide authority is leasing five acres of land on the port complex to the FFA chapter and has waived all fees.
The authority says it has made this donation for several years. As part of this most recent gift, chapter FFA members were invited to tour the port along the Ohio River, witness the agreement signing, and discuss operations with port officials and customers.
“For me, FFA gave me a broad perspective on agriculture beyond what I learned on my family’s pig farm,” said new Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock, who is a former FFA member. “It’s also the first place I learned to tie a tie and do public speaking. There will always be a special place in my heart and in this port for the FFA.”
Each year, the students sell its crops to local grain facilities and port companies. The FFA Mount Vernon H.S. chapter typically raises around $3,500 from the five acres.
The money is used to pay for educational programming, career development and costs associated with attending the National FFA Convention.
“This opportunity gives students a chance to learn about production, agriculture, land and money management, sustainability and planning,” said Alicia Schmidt, Mount Vernon High School agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. “It also gives students an opportunity to attend events without worrying about transportation and financing.”
The land agreement is for a 12-month period. The students take part in the program by obtaining seed, planting and harvesting the crops.