b"organization established by the Beck Family, offers scholarships and donations totaling over $200,000 annually, as well as support to local efforts such as 4-H and FFA.We believe in the future of agriculture and are grateful to support young leaders who are passionate about our industry and about helping farmers succeed, Gremel says. Cornelius urges other seed companies to see the benefit in supporting ag educa-tion, both for younger and older students. We go into the local schools and talk about agriculture and our business. When you can start at the elementary age, it makes a large impact. Those students areShantel Beck and Cieara Anderson of now aware of what were doing and canBecks Hybrids step up for community. help teach their families about conserva- PHOTO: BECKStion and farm safety and where their food comes from, she says. Chris Cornelius, executive assistant forThese ripples can potentially help Gremel agrees its important to look atCornelius Seed. influence public opinion about agriculture, these efforts as a long game. which Sanders says is especially impor-Community service is an investmentto identify and support farm families whotant given the widespread misinforma-for the future with the hope of a positivego above and beyond to help others,tion and inaccurate assumptions spread return for the generations that follow,or to give a hand up to those who wereonline.much like that of the legacy farmingfacing hardship of some kind. Generally, the ag community tends to operations that are common in multi-gen- They need time to just be together,be very humble and not willing to stand erational farm families, she says. to laugh togetherone good day to getup for the good things we are all doing for them ready to face what lies ahead the benefit of all, Sanders says. Its our Get Creativethats Beck's Day Ever, Gremel says.responsibility to ensure we are putting out Supporting community can be achievedOver the next year, they will be honor- thoughtful, accurate information to the in simple ways, or in ways as creative anding local fire and rescue departmentsgeneral public.unique as the companies that imaginethrough this program. While it can be challenging for compa-them.These stories celebrate the peoplenies to walk the line between humility and Cornelius Seed is heavily invested inwho protect life on the farm. Its impor- loudly sharing positive stories, showcas-supporting their local Iowa State exten- tant that we continue to raise awarenessing ones efforts and impact can support sion office, a partnership of mutual sup- for rural safety, not just for farmers buta companys goals and build goodwill for port. also for their communities and how theythe entire agricultural community too.Extension is a huge resource for uscan support their local fire departments,We like to do things quietly and not including outside the agriculture arena.Gremel says.focus on people recognizing we are out We have worked with them to providethere in the community. However, when employee training on safety and mentalPromoting Ag you do receive comments of appreciation, health, Cornelius says.Some benefits of community commit- it means a lot. It's also important to put a The annual Little Hawk Basketballment extend well beyond ones ownpositive face on agriculture and educate tournament hosted by the Corneliuscompany. Seed companies that connectpeople about what's truly going on and familywhich brings in over 360 kidswith and serve in their communities alsohow we live every day, Cornelius says.each yearis also a unique way of serv- become positive representatives of theGremel agrees.ing local families.agriculture industry to consumers. Sonny Beck has shared many times In 2022, Becks launched BecksWe want to earn their respect andthat if you do the right thing for someone Day Ever, an annual initiative offeringtrust. Its so important because if there iselse, it will likely turn out okay for you resources to farm families and those serv- one bad experience with a business, wordalso. But even if it doesnt, you still did ing in the agriculture industry. The firstof mouth just takes off and it spreads. Butthe right thing, she says. Giving back to year of the program was sponsored inon the flip side, if you do good things, itthe community is simply doing the right partnership with Farm Journal and aimedhas the same ripple effect, Cornelius says. thing.SW20/ SEEDWORLD.COMSEPTEMBER 2023"