2019 Rogers Scholar and Estill County High School student Summer Evans is encouraging her community to support local farmers.
She organized “Support Your Local Farmer” initiative to draw attention to the importance of agriculture to the economy of Estill County and recognize the hard work of local farmers.
The initiative included two separate projects: first was community engagement followed by a farmer outreach appreciation project.
To get the community involved, Evans asked local businesses to lend their support to the project by placing “Support Your Local Farmer” vinyl decals in a prominent place visible to the general public.
Secondly, she delivered five-gallon buckets filled with farming supplies to 25 Estill County farmers in a show of appreciation for their work and support of the community.
“An industry that feeds you is an industry worth fighting for,” Evans said. “Due to my passion for agriculture and the local farmers in my community, I felt it was necessary to show my support and get the community involved. We are blessed to live in a world where there are farmers and to have the freedom to make a positive difference in the things we are passionate about.”
Due to the success and public support shown for the “Save Your Local Farmer” initiative, she plans to continue the project in the future.
“Considering all that our local farmers do around us and the impact that they make, the support you’ve shown will make a difference,” said supporter Mary Kuly.
Each graduate of The Center for Rural Development’s Rogers Scholars program is required to complete a community service project. For more information about Rogers Scholars, visit www.centeryouthprograms.com.