$2,500 donation will support 4-H robotics program

File photo: Some members of the 4-H robotics team get their robot ready for competition in March 2019 at Rochester Institute of Technology. From left include Jayden Neal, Jack Finley, coach/mentor Jody Neal, Lance Moyer and Jace Conn.

KNOWLESVILLE – A local farm has picked the 4-H robotics program as the recipient of a $2,500 grant from the “America’s Farmers Grow Communities” program.

That program is sponsored by the Bayer Fund and partners with farmers to provide grants to local nonprofits to help their communities.

Local dairy farm Poverty Hill Farms, owned by the Neal family and based on Countyhouse Road in Albion, recently directed a $2,500 Bayer Fund America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation to the Orleans County 4-H robotics program. The program will use the funds towards achieving their goal of building a STEM and robotics workshop.

Jody Neal, one of the farm’s owners, is a coach and mentor in the robotics program. His sons, Jayden and Zachary, are both part of the program.

“We are so grateful to Poverty Hill Farms for their support of the Orleans County 4-H robotics program,” said Kristina Gabalski, CCE Orleans 4-H Educator. “The on-site STEM and Robotics Workshop is something that is critical for the program and will be a huge benefit to local youth who learn technology, leadership, problem-solving and many more life skills through their participation in the robotics program.”

Since 2010, the America’s Farmers programs have awarded more than $59 million to nonprofits, aspiring ag students and public schools across rural America. Farmers are leaders in their communities, which is why America’s Farmers programs rely on them to help identify the most worthy causes.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has affected everyone, including those in rural regions, and farmers play a critical role in helping communities overcome challenges, like the ones we’re currently facing,” said Al Mitchell, Bayer Fund president. “Bayer Fund is proud to work side-by-side with farmers to identify local eligible nonprofit organizations that are able to provide their residents with solutions that leave a lasting impact.”

To learn more about how America’s Farmers programs are making an impact, visit www.AmericasFarmers.com.