One Conversation and a Partnership with Culver’s
One Conversation and a Partnership with Culver’s
Owning a Wisconsin dairy farm for 30 years affords a lot of lessons in agriculture, but sometimes just one stunning, serendipitous conversation can spark a sudden realization and a lifetime commitment.
Such was the case for Eugene Smith and his wife Shawn. In San Francisco for a National Milk Board meeting, the Smiths encountered a tourist who kindly asked what brought them to town. Learning they were dairy farmers, the tourist commended them for “trying to keep a tradition alive” — especially, as she further explained, “We don’t really need dairy farmers; we can go to the store to get our milk.”
“That’s when my wife and I realized just how important it was to educate and be involved with agricultural education,” Eugene says. “From that point on, we really started stepping it up and trying to do as much as possible.”
Fast-forward to a decade later, and Eugene and Shawn still work with dairy, but now in the form of frozen custard and butter burgers, at one of their two Culver’s restaurants in Twin Falls, Idaho. Their involvement with agriculture programs and National FFA has never been greater. That’s saying a lot, considering Eugene and both of the Smiths’ sons went through the Clinton, Wis., FFA program, and their two daughters participated in 4-H.
“From that point on,
we really started stepping it up and
trying to do as much
AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.”
“That’s when my wife and I realized just how important it was to educate and be involved with agricultural education,” Eugene says. “From that point on, we really started stepping it up and trying to do as much as possible.”
Fast-forward to a decade later, and Eugene and Shawn still work with dairy, but now in the form of frozen custard and butter burgers, at one of their two Culver’s restaurants in Twin Falls, Idaho. Their involvement with agriculture programs and National FFA has never been greater. That’s saying a lot, considering Eugene and both of the Smiths’ sons went through the Clinton, Wis., FFA program, and their two daughters participated in 4-H.
“From that point on,
we really started stepping it up and
trying to do as much
AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.“
Last November, the couple received the National Association of Agricultural Educators Outstanding Cooperation award and was recognized for the following examples of participation: hosting an annual Agricultural Awareness Extravaganza for the community; donating 10 percent of that day’s revenue to the chapter; and regularly donating food and time to FFA activities and events.
“I just feel honored when I see [FFA members] and how they represent themselves,” says Shawn. As for Eugene, he understands that FFA members are the future.
These youth will be the policymakers of the future. We need to be great stewards of both our land and our livestock, but we also have to have practicality and common sense when we implement policies. These kids are really getting a great grasp on it. They have working experience and common sense — they’re getting real-life experience.”
“We know we can always count on
the Smiths, NO MATTER WHAT,
and any other chapter in our district
will say the same thing. They not only
DONATE their products, but they
also attend the different functions
we hold.”
— Karson King, Filer FFA Chapter
A commitment inspiring replication.
In conjunction with FFA silver sponsor Culver’s Thank You Farmers essay contest and Scoops of Thanks Day, the Smiths’ lend sponsorship to FFA on all levels. Filer FFA is one of the local chapters familiar with their commitment. Karson King, Filer FFA president, says the depth of their involvement amazes him.
He wants to emulate their success and generosity. “As someone who is looking into an agriculture career, it’s comforting to know that there are people out there like the Smiths who are supporting me. I hope that I will be able to help FFA chapters as much as they do when I get older,” he adds. “It gives me motivation and hope when people like the Smiths, who are successful, view FFA and agriculture to be important to our nation.”
A commitment inspiring replication.
In conjunction with FFA silver sponsor Culver’s Thank You Farmers essay contest and Scoops of Thanks Day, the Smiths’ lend sponsorship to FFA on all levels. Filer FFA is one of the local chapters familiar with their commitment. Karson King, Filer FFA president, says the depth of their involvement amazes him.
He wants to emulate their success and generosity. “As someone who is looking into an agriculture career, it’s comforting to know that there are people out there like the Smiths who are supporting me. I hope that I will be able to help FFA chapters as much as they do when I get older,” he adds. “It gives me motivation and hope when people like the Smiths, who are successful, view FFA and agriculture to be important to our nation.”
“We know we can always count on
the Smiths, NO MATTER WHAT,
and any other chapter in our district
will say the same thing. They not only
DONATE their products, but they
also attend the different functions
we hold.”
— Karson King, Filer FFA Chapter