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COTTAGE GROVE, WI (November 20, 2024) – ALCIVIA, a member-owned agricultural and energy cooperative, is thrilled to share donations to its 2024 Fair Participation Award youth exhibitors totaling $124,800, up from $103,700 in 2023.

In addition, submissions were up 20.3% in 2024. ALCIVIA received 852 submissions from youth in 30 different counties in Wisconsin and bordering states. Of the 852 submissions, 6%, or about 50 exhibitors, showed small animals with the rest showing large animals.

“It’s exciting to see kids participating in their local county fairs,” says Jim Dell, ALCIVIA CEO and President. “We received almost 150 more submissions than last year which tells us that the ag industry within the communities we serve is alive and well.”

ALCIVIA rewarded every exhibitor who showed an animal at a local fair and whose family is a member of the cooperative. Small animal exhibitors received a $100 participation award and large animal exhibitors received a $150 participation award.

Since starting the Fair Participation Program in 2018, ALCIVIA has supported more than 2,500 fair projects, totaling more than $300,000 in donations back to the children. The Fair Participation Program accepts submissions every year, from early summer through the middle of September. To learn more about the program and dates for 2025, visit ALCIVIA.com/GivingBack.

About ALCIVIA
ALCIVIA is a leading, member-owned agricultural and energy cooperative driven by a passion for excellence and a future without boundaries. Located in Wisconsin and serving farm, business, and retail customers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, ALCIVIA’s engaged employees provide innovative, responsible solutions to help drive the immediate and long-term success of their customers, including competitive input financing, and best-in-class products and services in agronomy, animal nutrition, energy, and grain. Learn more about ALCIVIA at www.ALCIVIA.com.

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COTTAGE GROVE, WI (October 29, 2024) – ALCIVIA, an agronomy, animal nutrition, energy and grain-focused cooperative, is proud to donate $20,000 to Second Harvest of Southern Wisconsin and $20,000 to Feed My People Food Bank to support its Farm to Food Bank Program. The donation to Feed My People Food Bank is a new partnership for ALCIVIA aiming to help source fresh, local food to hunger-relief programs in west central Wisconsin.

Expanding Feed My People’s Farm to Food Bank Program
ALCIVIA’s new partnership and contribution to Feed My People Food Bank will help purchase food from local growers and cover transportation costs to distribute the products across the 14-county service area in west central Wisconsin. The donation will also enable the program to expand its offerings to include locally sourced meat and dairy products while increasing the quantity and quality of fresh produce available.

“Our new partnership with Feed My People furthers ALCIVIA’s commitment to ending hunger in the communities across our trade territory,” says Jim Dell, Chief Executive Officer of ALCIVIA. “We’re proud to partner with amazing people and contribute to the important work they’re doing to provide fresh, locally sourced food to those experiencing food insecurity.”

The Farm to Food Bank Program was developed in response to the need for stable, nutritious food sources amidst challenging economic conditions in recent years. By partnering with local farmers, Feed My People can secure high-quality produce, meat, and dairy products, ensuring that individuals facing food insecurity have access to healthy options while also supporting local farmers and economies.

“Fresh produce is vital to providing healthy, nutritious options for those we serve,” says Suzanne Becker, Executive Director of Feed My People Food Bank. “It is also a full-circle program that directly benefits the local economy and its residents.”

Since its inception, the Farm to Food Bank Program has made significant strides in improving food distribution within local communities. By relying on local partnerships, Feed My People can avoid the challenges of inconsistent supply chains, high costs, and diminished product quality that often come with sourcing food from outside the region.
 


Strengthening the Thriving Partnership with Second Harvest of Southern Wisconsin
This year’s donation to Second Harvest of Southern Wisconsin represents the fourteenth year that ALCIVIA has partnered with the food banks. The total given over that period is more than $250,000. 

To learn more about ALCIVIA’s commitment to supporting the development of the communities and families they serve, visit www.ALCIVIA.com/Our-Legacy/Giving-Back-To-Our-Community.

About ALCIVIA
ALCIVIA is a leading, member-owned agricultural and energy cooperative driven by a passion for excellence and a future without boundaries. Located in Wisconsin and serving farm, business, and retail customers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, ALCIVIA’s engaged employees provide innovative, responsible solutions to help drive the immediate and long-term success of their customers, including competitive input financing, and best-in-class products and services in agronomy, animal nutrition, energy, and grain. Learn more about ALCIVIA at www.ALCIVIA.com.

About Feed My People Food Bank
Feed My People Food Bank is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The food bank serves west central Wisconsin providing 263 hunger-relief programs to Barron, Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, Trempealeau and Washburn Counties. In 2023, Feed My People Food Bank distributed more than seven million pounds of food to more than 75,000 individuals. Learn more about Feed My People at www.FMPFoodBank.org.

About Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin began working with local hunger-relief agencies in 1986. It helps end hunger in 16 southwestern Wisconsin counties through food distribution to its partner agencies, promotion of outside food assistance programs like FoodShare, and raising awareness of hunger. As southwestern Wisconsin’s largest hunger-relief charity it meets nearly one million requests for help each year. From July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, Second Harvest, together with its partner agencies and programs, provided 19.7 million meals. It is one of 200 members of Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. To learn more, visit www.secondharvestsw.org.

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COTTAGE GROVE, WI (September 18, 2024)—ALCIVIA, a member-owned cooperative, has partnered with Land O’ Lakes and the CHS Foundation to donate $30,000 to the Ellsworth Fire Service Association and the Durand Fire Relief Association for the purchase of essential safety and communications equipment.

“Investing in our local fire departments and rescue agencies is an investment in the safety and well-being of our entire community,” says Rodney Balvitsch, Chief Operating Officer of ALCIVIA. “We are proud to support both the Ellsworth Fire Service Association and the Durand Fire Relief Association with this donation, knowing that it will provide critical resources for their lifesaving work.”

Ellsworth Fire Service Association Receives $24,000 for Grain Bin Rescue and Communication Equipment

The Ellsworth Fire Services Association received $24,000 for the purchase of a grain entrapment rescue system including a “Great Wall Of Rescue” system used to form a barrier around a patient who has become entrapped by grain, increasing the chances of survival. The donation also will fund the purchase of rescue augers and support the purchase of dual-band radio equipment to help improve communication with other local fire departments, including the Red Wing Fire Department, during mutual aid calls.

“This generous donation helps us purchase life-saving equipment that we need to have as a rural fire department,” says Chad Peterson, Chief of the Ellsworth Fire Services Association. “Grain bin rescues are some of the most challenging incidents we face, and having the right tools is critical. We’re thankful to our community partners for the support and commitment to the safety and well-being of our agricultural community.”

Durand Fire Relief Association Secures $6,000 for Thermal Imaging Technology

The Durand Fire Relief Association received $6,000 for the purchase of thermal imaging equipment and personal thermal devices. This donation will help equip the new ladder engine that is currently being built.

Thermal imaging equipment is an essential tool for detecting the source of a fire, ensuring that fire hot spots are extinguished. Thermal imaging equipment can also be used to help find lost persons during search and rescue efforts.

“We’re incredibly grateful to ALCIVIA, Land O’ Lakes and the CHS Foundation for this donation,” says Jamey King, Chief of the Durand Fire Relief Association. “Thermal imaging technology allows us to do our job better, safer and more efficiently so that we can help protect the community.”

Safety is one of ALCIVIA’s core values, and ALCIVIA works to provide a ‘Safety First’ culture across its entire organization. As part of that commitment, ALCIVIA works to help provide essential safety equipment to the communities it serves.

To learn more about ALCIVIA’s Commitment to Safety, visit www.ALCIVIA.com/Our-Legacy/Our-Commitment-To-Safety.

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About ALCIVIA
ALCIVIA is a leading, member-owned agricultural and energy cooperative driven by a passion for excellence and a future without boundaries. Located in Wisconsin and serving farm, business, and retail customers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, ALCIVIA’s engaged employees provide innovative, responsible solutions to help drive the immediate and long-term success of their customers, including competitive input financing, and best-in-class products and services in agronomy, animal nutrition, energy, and grain. Learn more about ALCIVIA at www.ALCIVIA.com.

About Land O’ Lakes, Inc.

Land O’Lakes, Inc., one of America’s premier agribusiness and food companies, is a member-owned cooperative with industry-leading operations that span the spectrum from agricultural production to consumer foods. With 2023 annual sales of $17 billion, Land O’Lakes is one of the nation’s largest cooperatives, ranking 213 on the Fortune 500. Building on a legacy of more than 100 years of operation, Land O’Lakes today operates some of the most respected brands in agribusiness and food production including Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Animal Nutrition, WinField United and Truterra. The company does business in all 50 states and more than 60 countries. Land O’Lakes, Inc. corporate headquarters are located in Arden Hills, Minnesota.

About CHS Inc.

CHS Inc. creates connections to empower agriculture. As a leading global agribusiness and the largest farmer-owned cooperative in the United States, CHS serves customers in 65 countries and employs nearly 10,000 people worldwide. We provide critical crop inputs, market access and risk management services that help farmers feed the world. Our diversified agronomy, grains, foods and energy businesses recorded revenues of $45.6 billion in fiscal year 2023. We advance sustainability through our commitment to being stewards of the environment, building economic viability and strengthening community and employee well-being.

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PRESS RELEASEInformation Contact:Ashley Schumacher, Marketing Manager, ALCIVIAAshley.Schumacher@ALCIVIA.com; 608.819.3102For Immediate Release: April 25, 2023ALCIVIA awards 25 scholarships to aspiring local youth leadersCOTTAGE GROVE, WI – ALCIVIA is pleased to announce the winners of our annual scholarships. The cooperative recently presented 25 scholarships of $1,000 each to a group of local high school seniors and collegiate students pursuing post-secondary education. Scholarships were awarded during ALCIVIA’s annual scholarship reception, that was held virtually to bring students together from across the state of Wisconsin. Recipients were able to discuss future goals and aspirations with ALCIVIA leadership during the reception.“We are so pleased to invest in the future of agriculture and young leaders. It is a pleasure to help students along their academic and career journeys. Awarding scholarships allows us to provide support to students continuing to advance their skillsets. Each year the recipients impress us with their dedication to their academics, along with their extra-curricular and community involvement,” shared Jim Dell, CEO and President of ALCIVIA.The ALCIVIA scholarship program encourages academic, professional, and leadership development. ALCIVIA is delighted to announce the 2022-23 winners: 
High School Recipients            Mariyah Creaser – Menomonie High School, attending UW-River FallsMolly Damm – Columbus High School, attending Winona State or UW-WhitewaterAmelia Dittman – New Richmond High School, attending UW-Madison or UW-Green BayClaire Esselman – Clinton High School, attending Iowa State UniversityRegina Frisle – Prairie Farm High School, attending UW-Madison or UW-River FallsAlan George – Mondovi High School, attending West Texas A&M UniversityAleah Kaeding – Augusta High School, attending Western Technical CollegeSophia Kamm – Baldwin-Woodville High School, attending UW-River FallsNathan Keleher – Benton High School, attending UW-PlattevilleKennedy Kuehni – Stanley-Boyd High School, UndecidedBrooke Luedtke – Pardeeville High School, attending UW-PlattevilleEmma Maly – Clinton High School, attending UW-OshkoshTravis Moelter – River Falls High School, attending UW-Eau ClaireLogan Osero – Amery High School, attending Chippewa Valley Technical CollegeConnor Weltzien – Arcadia High School, Undecided                       College RecipientsMadison Calvert – UW-La Crosse         McKenzie Calvert – UW-La Crosse        Bailey Dobbratz – Carthage College     Teagan Gray – UW-WhitewaterSophie Grieser – UW-Whitewater         Emma Lemke – UW-Platteville  Teresa Miller-Wathke – North Dakota State University  Simon Soldner – UW-River FallsNathan Sorensen – UW-Madison                      Bennett Wilks – Fox Valley Technical College   

ALCIVIA has awarded more than 900 scholarships totaling more than $465,850 to students since 1989 in support of building a strong future for its members, its communities, and the world.

“For many years, ALCIVIA has demonstrated a commitment to investing in the future of agriculture and the communities it serves through the Giving Back program. Getting to know the scholarship recipients and hear about their aspirations is inspiring,” said Jim Lange, ALCIVIA’s board chairman. Recipients were selected from a pool of applicants based on cumulative grade point average, leadership, scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, personal motivation, and academic and career goals. All members and employees of ALCIVIA and their children attending four-year universities, two-year technical programs or short courses and high school seniors planning for post-secondary education were eligible to apply for the awards.

ALCIVIA is a leading, member-owned agricultural and energy cooperative driven by our passion for excellence and a future without boundaries. Located in Wisconsin and serving farm, business and retail customers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, our engaged employees provide innovative, responsible solutions to help drive the immediate and long-term success of our customers, including low-interest operating loans and input financing, as well as best-in-class products and services for the agronomy, animal nutrition, energy, and grain needs of our customers.