By Carroll Smith,
Editor —
“It’s easy to make a buck. It’s a lot tougher to make a difference,” says Tom Brokaw, television journalist and author. And giving just a small portion of your time is always part of that equation.
The Transform My Community Contest, inspired by Transform WG insecticide and sponsored by Dow AgroSciences and Cotton Farming magazine, is a way for cotton farmers and crop consultants to “transform” an aspect of their community with $20,000 prize money. It just takes a few minutes to sit down and tell the story of an organization or charity that could benefit from this generous cash jumpstart.
The 2018 program begins June 1 and runs through July 31. The fourth annual Transform My Community Contest is open to cotton farmers and consultants where Section 18 emergency exemptions have been granted for use of Transform insecticide in cotton.
Life-Changing Opportunities
In 2015 — the Transform My Community Contest’s inaugural year — Arkansas cotton farmer A.J. Hood wrote a heartfelt commentary about the Miracle League of Southeast Arkansas’ efforts to raise money to build a baseball field for kids and adults with disabilities. After Hood was named the grand prize winner, Dow AgroSciences donated $10,000 to support the effort, and the SEARK Miracle League opened this spring.
Moved by the Transform My Community Contest’s success in connecting with long-term community development, Dow AgroSciences increased the grand prize money to $20,000 in 2016. Tennessee crop consultant Larry Kimery says he submitted an entry that year with the hope of providing significant funding to the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.
The money donated by Dow AgroSciences for his winning submission allowed the center to hire a full-time family advocate who works directly with children — who have been victims of child abuse — and their families.
In 2017, Mississippi cotton farmer Gary Dyksterhouse says, “The growth of Delta Streets Academy has outpaced its funding. I entered the Transform My Community Contest with the hope of helping the school fulfill its goal of combating the threat of hopelessness that is born out of poor education and lack of opportunity.”
T.Mac Howard, DSA head of school and executive director, says, “We are beyond ecstatic about the $20,000 TMC grand prize money Dow AgroSciences has donated to our school. This donation will allow our dedicated staff to continue to help mold and equip the young men who walk through our doors daily.”
Access Entry Form Online
Mike Fox, insecticides product manager, Dow AgroSciences, says, “We are excited to be kicking off the fourth year of the Transform My Community Contest. Dow AgroSciences is proud to help bring positive change and support to rural cotton-growing communities. It’s a privilege to work for an organization that cares so much about growers and their communities, and this program is just one of the many ways we are able to give back.”
On the entry form, tell why you need Transform insecticide or how it has helped protect your cotton yield from plant bugs. Also share how your favorite organization or charity (local FFA chapter, food bank, library, etc.) is working to help transform your community. Your idea could win $20,000 for your community and a $1,000 cash prize for you. Entrants also are encouraged to attach photos (if applicable).
Go to www.transformmycommunity.com June 1 to access the contest entry form. Entries are judged on compelling need, creativity and tie-in to the Transform insecticide theme.
The deadline to submit your short essay is July 31.