The Goodhue FFA chapter wasn’t sure what to expect as they prepared for their first Farmers’ Share Supper held Thursday November 21st. The event was held at the Lion’s Community Center beginning at 6 PM and it was soon clear that they would serve a larger crowd than expected. The serving line stretched from the kitchen counter through the large room, the entry, out the door and down the sidewalk.
The purpose of the event was to raise awareness of the persistent issue of low commodity prices and profit margins by charging only what farmers receive for their products. For the low price of $1.50, each diner received a hamburger on a bun that could be topped with lettuce, tomato, catsup and mustard; potato salad, pasta salad, a bar, milk and water. The first 240 burgers sold out so more were purchased and quickly picked up from the Country Station.
Organized and hosted by the FFA chapter, members collected money and served the food with help from a few adult volunteers. The officer team researched commodity prices, figuring things like how much wheat it takes to make a single bun or serving of pasta, adding the growers’ income for a potato, tomato and milk. Beef is by far the most expensive component in today’s market, but still the estimated cost of the meal remained very low. The difference between the farmers’ share and the retail cost includes things like transportation, packaging, labor and store profits.
Posted cost comparisons showed the retail price of $6.89 for five pounds of flour compared to the farmers’ income of $0.49 and $2.99 per pound of tomatoes yielding the farmer just $0.52. The event showcased this disparity and was made possible through generous donations of local sponsors. The beef was provided by Cannon Valley Ranch, Goodhue Market donated the buns, Red Wing Grain the condiments, and Blondie’s Butcher Shop the pasta and potato salads. Any profit the chapter makes after paying non-sponsored expenses will be donated to support rural mental health.
With the Farmers’ Share supper behind them, the Goodhue FFA chapter remains active as the annual fruit sale items are arriving and being delivered. Partnering with the Cannon Falls chapter, the two groups adopt a family from the others’ town and provide wished for items during the holidays. The new year starts with promoting exercise by again hosting a line-dancing event and they look forward to adding a trip to St. Paul for FFA Day at the Capitol in February.
For more information or to support the Goodhue FFA Chapter, contact Advisor, Angela Nassif at anassif@goodhue.k12.mn.us.
