News Release

Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler announced that two groups from northwestern Missouri were awarded grants from the Missouri Department of Agriculture's 2013 Building Our American Communities grant program today. Eleven local chapters of the National FFA Organization and nine Missouri 4-H clubs statewide have been granted funding for their community service projects this year.

"The Building Our American Communities program is a great opportunity for Missouri's 4-H and FFA members to be involved in agriculture and make a difference in their communities," said Director Hagler. "Youth are the future of Missouri's agriculture industry and it is outstanding to see their commitment to these projects."

The Cameron FFA Chapter and the Kodiak Kadettes 4-H Club both plan to upgrade local community buildings through their service projects.

The Cameron FFA Chapter of Clinton County will update the bathrooms at the Cameron Community Center where many chapter and community events are held each year. New floors, fixtures and a deep cleaning will improve the building.

The Kodiak Kadettes 4-H Club of Andrew County will put their funding towards replacing the roof of Andrew County's "Green Barn," which was damaged by hail. The barn is used for livestock shows, fundraisers, ranch rodeos and other community events.

The Building Our American Communities program has been supporting youth projects since the 1970s. Each year, youth organizations throughout Missouri submit proposals for consideration for the grants, which range from $100 to $500 and support specific projects within each community. The grants are funded through Missouri's Agriculture Development Fund under an agreement with the USDA.

4-H clubs and FFA chapters awarded grants this year must complete their projects no later than September 1, 2013.

For more information on the Department and its programs, visit mda.mo.gov.