December 20, 2025

Illini Bluffs FFA receives $2,500 from Compeer Financial

By AgriNews Staff
Justin Towery (far left) nominated the Illini Bluffs FFA Chapter to receive a $2,500 gift on Giving Tuesday from Compeer Financial. Also pictured are Scott Pedigo (from left), crop insurance agent; Andrew Brawner, Illini Bluffs FFA president; Josie Parker, Illini Blutfs FFA member; Maggie Allen, Illini Bluffs FFA member; Mackenzie Harmon, Illini Bluffs agriculture Teacher and FFA adviser; and Jacob Postin, financial officer at Compeer Financial. The chapter will use the funds to enable members to attend more events and conferences.

Justin Towery (far left) nominated the Illini Bluffs FFA Chapter to receive a $2,500 gift on Giving Tuesday from Compeer Financial. Also pictured are Scott Pedigo (from left), crop insurance agent; Andrew Brawner, Illini Bluffs FFA president; Josie Parker, Illini Blutfs FFA member; Maggie Allen, Illini Bluffs FFA member; Mackenzie Harmon, Illini Bluffs agriculture Teacher and FFA adviser; and Jacob Postin, financial officer at Compeer Financial. The chapter will use the funds to enable members to attend more events and conferences. (Provided photo/Compeer Financial)

GLASFORD, Ill. — The Illini Bluffs FFA Chapter in Glasford is the Illinois recipient of $2,500 from Compeer Financial’s Giving Tuesday contest.

Other recipients include the Blue Earth Area Schools Backpack Program in Delavan in southern Minnesota and Jolly Joiners 4-H Club in Cashton in western Wisconsin.

The donations represent Compeer’s commitment to rural communities through its Fund for Rural America, which has reinvested nearly $29 million since it was established in 2018.

The Illini Bluffs FFA Chapter was nominated by Justin Towery, president of the Alumni Association and Supporters for the chapter.

“I believe in the future of agriculture, which is why I donate my time and entered for this donation. This gift changes our financial outlook for the year exponentially, and we are very grateful for it,” Towery said.

The chapter is in a state of rebirth. Mackenzie Harmon, Illini Bluffs FFA Chapter adviser, hopes the donation helps support reestablishment of the chapter and member involvement with the community.

“Our greatest concern is still finding that footing, getting the chapter back up and active,” Harmon said. “I’ve seen a lot of growth over the past two years, and we need to make sure there are kids ready to step in and fill positions as the juniors and seniors graduate out. The donation will help us create interest and opportunities.”

One area of focus is providing members with the opportunity to attend events and conferences because they help instill a passion for FFA and interest in a career in agriculture.

“This $2,500 is going to allow us to take the kids to different conferences and events, especially summer events. When school is out, it’s more difficult to find those funds and do fundraisers, so this money will be a big help,” Harmon said.

Nearly 4,000 nominations representing FFA chapters, 4-H clubs, county fairs and food pantries across the 144-county territory in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin were submitted for the Giving Tuesday contest.

In addition to the contest, Compeer Financial will match donations made on Giving Tuesday to each state’s FFA Foundations, up to $2,500 per state.

“As rural residents ourselves, Compeer Financial team members understand what these organizations mean to their communities. On Giving Tuesday, we’re honored to support these deserving recipients and further uplift their ability to make valuable contributions within their communities,” said Karen Schieler, manager of Compeer Giving at Compeer Financial.

About The Fund

The Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America is the corporate giving program of Compeer Financial, structured to support Compeer Financial’s mission to enrich agriculture and rural America.

Compeer Financial’s Board of Directors has dedicated 1% of annual net earnings to support the fund’s focus areas of agriculture education, youth engagement, rural development and community enrichment, agricultural advocacy and development, and cooperative initiatives.

The fund is managed by a board of trustees, made up of team members and members of the Compeer Financial Board of Directors.

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AgriNews Staff

AgriNews Staff

The Illinois AgriNews and Indiana AgriNews staff is in the field each week, covering topics that affect local farm families and their businesses. We give readers information they can’t get elsewhere to help them make better farming decisions.