Local farm family donates contest winnings to county fair horse barn project

A Stanchfield area woman won a $2,500 prize in the America’s Farmers Grow Communities contest, and has donated the money to the Chisago County Agricultural Society. The society operates the county fairgrounds and the money is being used to put siding on the horse barn at the Rush City fairgrounds. Lani Bismark said she figured she’d signup for the prize and help the community. The program gives farmers the opportunity to designate the $2,500 for a favorite non-profit organization. The funds were presented June 25 at the fairgrounds. The Farmers Grow Communities is a commitment by the Monsanto Fund to invest in farming communities and farmers in 70 eligible Minnesota counties have been awarded $175,000 to distribute as they wish. The Monsanto Fund will invest $3.1 million across the nation this year. See more at www.mons antofund.org.