As we start December, we’re taking some time to look back at 2014. Southwest Initiative Foundation has accomplished a lot in the past year and that’s thanks to our generous donors. Check out our annual report page for highlights.
People who support our work come from all different backgrounds and all corners of our southwest Minnesota region. Their giving allows us to help our region in really unique ways.
Farmland giving is something we’ve often shared. Our Keep It Growing℠ program allows landowners to make a gift of farmland. They receive tax savings and secure income for life, and Southwest Initiative Foundation keeps it in production.
Our neighboring Minnesota Initiative Foundations–West Central Initiative and Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation—also started farmland giving programs, so if you’re not in southwest Minnesota this could still be a great option to consider.
I’m excited to share a Keep It Growing℠ success story from right here in our region. Southwest Initiative Foundation owns some farmland near Windom and our tenants are doing something pretty special. Geof and Leann Johnson rented the land from the original owners, Bob and Helen Remick, before it was gifted to us. Geof and Leann rent from about 10 different landowners and farm about 2,600 acres.
A few years ago, they met a young man Zac Walton. Geof offered him a job helping out around his shop for the summer. Growing up, Zac wanted to farm but didn’t have an opportunity. Geof started mentoring him and today Zac is a business partner.
You’ll want to take a few minutes to read their story. It’s been a great partnership all around!
