Premier Companies Gifts
Since 2020, thousands of Indiana 4‑Hers have benefitted from funds provided through the generosity of Premier Companies. For the 2024-2025 cycle, they have committed over $100,000 to 4‑H projects across southern Indiana! Here is an overview of some of the most recent projects made possible by the Premier Companies gifts:
Bartholomew County
Educator: Elisabeth Eaton
Funding Received: $2,500
Shade cloth for livestock barn
Clark County
Educator: Katie Whiteford
Funding Received: $8,100
Mobile Ag Day in schools; livestock workshop; subscription to Judging Team website
Crawford County
Educator: Molley Hasenour & Gail Peitzmeier
Funding Received: $5,500
Clovers Initiative 4‑H experience in the classroom, K-5
Franklin County
Educator: Elizabeth Simmermeyer
Funding Received: $4,800
LEGO Robotics Club; 4th grade Farm to Fork
Jackson County
Educator: Richard Beckort
Funding Received: $3,400
Rabbit cages
Jefferson County
Educator: Britt Copeland
Funding Received: $2,500
Horse & Pony Club Camp expansion to hire equine professionals; improve horse barn; nutrition program
Jennings County
Educator: Rebekah Cartwright
Funding Received: $5,000
Middle school rocket launch; monthly visits at K-5 schools
Johnson County
Educator: Heather Dougherty
Funding Received: $11,582
Curriculum with Reality Works; bus sponsor
Lawrence County
Educator: Lesley Lodmell
Funding Received: $5,800
Class to Clover program; Food, Fun & 4‑H Around the World program
Monroe County
Educator: Clint Deck
Funding Received: $7,148
Learning labs kits and STEM experiences for electrical and welding components
Owen County
Educator: Cassie Linville
Funding Received: $2,600
4‑H exhibit hall upgrades; project workshops
Rush County
Educator: Sarah Gettinger
Funding Received: $4,000
Class to Clover program; chick embryology
Scott County
Educator: Megan Stone
Funding Received: $3,020
Beginner horseman clinic; livestock workshop series; riding clinics
Washington County
Educator: Taylor Chastain
Funding Received: $3,950
Spring animal science SPARK program with field trip to Feldun Ag Center; Ag in the Classroom; Dog agility/obedience equipment
Martin County
Educator: Dena Held
Funding Received: $1,500
Education workshops
Decatur County
Educator: Christopher Fogle
Funding Received: $2,900
Support half the cost of 4‑H camp fees for up to 25 youth
Switzerland County
Educator: Kyle Weaver
Funding Received: $4,500
Leadership, mentorship, civic engagement programs
Morgan County
Educator: Rena Jo Sheldon
Funding Received: $3,400
Tractor auto-guidance technology for teaching about careers in farming
Floyd County
Educator: Sam McCollum
Funding Received: $9,000
Purchase equipment specific to safety of animals and increase in youth participation
Dearborn County
Educator: Liz Beiersdorfer
Funding Received: $800
Educational programs for K-8
Area 2/3: Area 2 Education Fund
Educator: Leslie Lodmell
Funding Received: $8,000
Camp counselors retreat/training; offset increase in price for 3-day/2-night camp
About Premier Companies' Commitment to 4‑H
Premier Companies, headquartered in Seymour, Indiana, has been a generous sponsor of the Indiana 4‑H Leadership Summit. The $100,000 donation to support county 4‑H initiatives in 2023 is a significant symbol of Premier’s commitment to 4‑H.
Premier Companies started in 1927 with the aim of providing energy and agricultural services in Indiana. Harold Cooper, CEO of Premier Companies, is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of agri-business leaders.
To learn more about Premier Companies (and view employment opportunities) please visit premierag.com