Grain donation program nets $66,588 for Red Cross earthquake, tsunami relief

On the main stage in the Nebraska State Fair's Exhibition Hall on Sunday, the Nebraska Corn Growers Association presented a $66,588.07 ceremonial check to the American Red Cross. The check represented money raised through the Nebraska Corn Growers grain donation program that supported Red Cross relief efforts in Japan and the Pacific following the earthquake and tsunami there in March.

Nearly 9,000 bushels of grain – mostly corn – was donated and sold through the program, with money being sent to the Red Cross every couple of weeks. Some cash-only donations were also received.

Joel Grams presents the check to Susan Epps of the Red Cross.

“Nebraska farmers came together in a big way to support Red Cross relief efforts in Japan. For many years Japan has been one of our top global corn customers, but it’s also an important market for many other Nebraska ag products, including beef and pork. Supporting people there through the Red Cross was a great way help our neighbors in the global market, and we appreciate all who contributed,” said Joel Grams, a farmer from Minden who is vice president of the Nebraska Corn Growers.

The grain donation program began April 1 and ran through July 30. It was launched by the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Aurora Cooperative and the American Red Cross, with farmer-owned KRVN rural radio also supporting the initiative. Cooperative Producers Inc. (CPI) also joined in the effort by accepting grain at all of its locations.

“Response to the grain donation program was simply tremendous and we appreciate everyone who contributed. Money raised through the program was passed directly to Red Cross efforts in Japan and the Pacific where it helped make a difference for so many,” said Susan Epps, executive director of the Cornhusker Community Chapter of the American Red Cross, who was on hand to accept the check.

John Willoughby (left) and Bill Schuster.

As part of the program Sunday, farmers John Willoughby and Bill Schuster shared some of their photos and stories gathered while taking part in a mission to Japan in July. They and several others went to promote U.S. beef but also to prepare and deliver meals to evacuees. For more on their mission, click here.

For a compilation of posts relating to the Red Cross efforts, click here, and for photos from the presentation, click here.