Earlier this year, Midwest restaurant chain Bob Evans announced their 2022 FFA SAE Grants. According to their website, “This is an ongoing commitment to and investment with the National FFA Organization to support FFA students across the country. Each year, our focus is on empowering and supporting the next generation of America’s farmers.”
Among the 12 students selected for the $1,000 grant was Rylee Brown of West Plains. Brown had big plans to expand her growing and selling operation by adding a natural gas heating and rainwater collection system, extending her growing season while prioritizing sustainability.
With the funds from the Bob Evans SAE grant, Rylee was able to purchase an electric greenhouse heater which she found to be a cheaper and more sustainable option, as well as a second greenhouse to extend her garden’s overall size. The electric heater allowed Rylee to plant her seeds earlier in the year, while the second greenhouse gave her the temperatures and space to keep every seedling happy and healthy. To date, Rylee has taken steps toward practicing sustainability with her 5-gallon rainwater collection system. She has also grown and sold over 3,000 plants, a 150% increase from the prior year.
To learn more about the National FFA Organization, you can find more information here.
