FruitGuys Community Fund reveal grant cycle for 2015

Jan 06, 2015

Eight grants given in Wisconsin, Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and California in 2014

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

The application process to receive grants from The FruitGuys Community Fund is now underway. Applications are due by midnight PST on Monday, February 16, 2015 and projects must be completed by December 1, 2015.

The FruitGuys Community Fund, a fiscally sponsored project of Community Initiatives, was created in 2012. By April 2015, grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to farms and agricultural non-profits impacting the environment, economy, and community health.

"We are committed to helping small farms become more sustainable and are confident that we will identify well deserving farms, farmers and projects,” said Mittelstaedt. “We firmly believe that supporting small farms bolsters communities in major ways."

More than 60 applicants submitted their names in 2014 after only 15 applicants came forward in 2013. Those who received grants in 2014 included Gabriel Farm from Sebastopol, California who will use their grant to build and install bat boxes and a bat belfry to improve natural pest control.

Bountiful Hope Farms out of Monroe, Wisconsin will use theirs to transition from hand watering to a drip irrigation system, build raised plant beds and a hoop house for their farm that donates all of their harvest to local food pantries.

Video: Winter Service Inspections for John Deere Equipment - The FarmCast Ep64

The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.