Many ProAg employees chose to support their local school or youth organization, taking advantage of the ProAg Cares program, which supports employees, communities and the ag industry. Each employee receives eight hours of paid volunteer time off (VTO).

Joe Kemph volunteered at an event at his son’s school to raise money for classroom supplies for families in need and for repairs to the community civic center.  The event was a “Fun Run,” involving 360 children who secured donation pledges for the number of laps they could run.  Joe’s 4th grader was among the top three earners for the event!

Jared Huffer served as a judge at the Indiana State FFA Convention in the Animal Science Demonstration. High school students have 10 minutes to illustrate something that is includes animal science. Examples include breeding a cow, dehorning goats, processing a litter of pigs, and building a fence around a pasture. Providing quality feedback helps them succeed in their future endeavors. He picked FFA because he was highly involved in it in high school and likes giving back to organizations that helped him succeed in life.

Chad Kiniston used his volunteer time off to take a busload of students that were part of the Future Business Leaders of America to an event in Amarillo, TX. They met people in business in the community and were invited to be part of a Minor League Baseball event. During this event they were recognized at the stadium and asked to come onto the field. What inspired him to volunteer in this way? Chad said, “Coming from a very small rural community and being able to talk to the business leaders and ask about how they got their starts in each respective industry was paramount to these students setting goals and aspirations for future plans in agriculture, business, and college decisions.”

Chad also took half a day to play Santa Clause for a local youth organization at Christmas time. This event allowed many kids to experience the joy of Christmas as they handed out gifts to each child and their families.

During Christmas break, Laura York volunteered as a custodian at Palestine Grade School, her daughter’s grade school. COVID added many things to the list that custodians already do, not to mention staffing issues due to quarantining, so Laura was happy to help out.

Chris Kollasch volunteered to help with a band concert for his son’s school. He supervised the students as they crossed the street from the middle school to the high school. It was an awesome opportunity to see all the hard work and preparation before a concert.

About the ProAg Cares Program

ProAg Cares aims to demonstrate ProAg’s commitment to our employees, our local communities and our industry. The ProAg Cares program has three components:
  • ProAg Takes Care of Their Own: Aimed at employees impacted by natural disasters or a difficult family situation
  • ProAg Cares About Our Communities: One day of volunteer time off for individual volunteer efforts. Also, an opportunity to expand team development / building options.
  • ProAg Cares About Our Industry: Aimed at supporting advocacy organizations such as AACI or Farm Rescue and educational opportunities about crop insurance and the role agriculture plays in the economy.