Randolph County farmers can earn $2,500

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Dear Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to let Randolph County farmers learn more about how they can help the Randolph County 4-H program earn $2,500 through the America's Farmers Grow Communities Project. The program is sponsored by the Monsanto Fund to support local farming communities. It only takes about two minutes to apply for farmers in one of 1,204 eligible counties in 38 states. One winner will be drawn for each eligible county from all eligible entrants received for that county. Entrants must be 21 years or older and actively engaged in farming a minimum of 250 acres of corn, soybeans and/or cotton. Entrants are limited to one entry per qualified person (regardless of the form of entry). A farmer is "actively engaged in farming" if he or she performs the work, or hires and actively manages others who do so. A farmer can mail an entry form (available by calling the Randolph County Extension Office at 443-4364), enter by calling 1-877-267-3332, or enter online at www.growcommunities.com. Farmers must be residents of Randolph County in order to support Randolph County 4-H in this project. If a farmer lives and farms in two different counties, they are asked to use their address from the county to which they would make the donation. Randolph County 4-H is seeking the support of local farmers to help us win this money. I would ask that farmers please select Randolph County 4-H as their designated recipient. Randolph County 4-H members are involved in project work to learn about many areas including natural resources, consumer education, crops, livestock, small animals, horse, electricity, woodworking, food & nutrition, health, computer science, and much more. 4-H offers young people an opportunity to learn leadership and citizenship, serve their communities, play softball, participate in shooting sports, attend trips, conventions, and conferences, exhibit their projects, and more. Your support of Randolph County 4-H is greatly appreciated.

Michele Hubert

Lucky Clovers 4-H Club Leader

Chester, IL