COMMUNITY FEATURE
youth
it’s all about the
United Ag invests in the future of agriculture
By Rachael Eilts
Photos by Stacy Shanks and Jon Eilts
a
ny industry’s future rests in the hands
of the next generation, and agriculture is no exception. The Wharton
County Youth Fair’s objective is to make
sure that agriculture will always have effective, driven leaders and producers, a goal that
United Ag shares.
As a silver sponsor of WCYF, United Ag
purchases fair projects and supports the fair’s
Ag Day, rodeo, beef merit heifer program and
several other activities, according to Jimmy
Roppolo, United Ag’s general manager.
“United Ag has always been a major supporter of WCYF,” Roppolo said. He said the company’s support of the youth fair not only helps the
community, but is an investment in its future.
“We know that these young people are interested in agriculture and have spent countless hours working with their fair project,” he
said. “Our support encourages them to con-
tinue in agriculture, becoming the producers
of tomorrow and members and board members of United Ag.”
Michelle Popek, corporate marketing manager for United Ag, agreed that the youth are
the driving force behind United Ag’s support.
“It is all about the exhibitors. The youth that
participate in raising show animals and other
projects become responsible, caring leaders and
develop a desire to help others,” Popek said.
Popek said the fair helps youth learn more
about agriculture and encourages them to remain active in the industry through their careers and extracurricular activities. She said this
understanding and commitment is important
for agriculture, as well as for United Ag.
“Our business thrives on the support and
encouragement Wharton and surrounding
counties provide to agriculture. We need today’s youth to participate, understand and
implement the values of agriculture in the
future,” she said.
United Ag
purchased
or added on
to 95 Sale of
Excellence
projects,
including Layton
Stary’s grand
champion tur