WAITSBURG—Waitsburg FFA has been awarded nearly $3,000 as part of the competitive Grants for Growing Program offered to middle and high school FFA chapters across the United States.

The grant program, facilitated by the National FFA Organization, is funded by consumers who purchase FFA paper emblems at Tractor Supply Company (TSC) stores. Grants for Growth is sponsored by TSC and provides up to $5,000 grants which can be used to “Grow your Classroom,” “Grow your FFA Chapter,” or “Grow your Ag Awareness.”

Emblems were available for purchase at TSC locations during the 2021 National FFA Week in February. The program has provided $548,000 to FFA chapters in 47 states.

Waitsburg FFA members helped select the category and project, while FFA Advisor Nicole Abel prepared the application. Chapter officers proofed the final application before submitting it. All applications were due by May 15.

Plans are to use the funds to purchase materials to fabricate hog panels at the school’s pig barns, the FFA Chapter said in a release. Tarps will also be replaced with aesthetically pleasing shade cloth. According to the release, the welding and agriculture project students at Waitsburg High School will be building the panels as a class project.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth, and career success training through agricultural education to more than 700,000 student members who belong to one of the more than 8,600 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The organization is also supported by more than 8 million alumni and supporters throughout the U.S.