GROWMARK Foundation to Provide FFA Jackets in Honor of Mike Builta

The GROWMARK Foundation is teaming up with Illinois FFA and the family of Mike Builta to provide 25 jackets to Illinois FFA students to honor the legacy of long-time employee Mike Builta, who passed away unexpectedly in 2019. The application opens on August 27 and closes on September 13. All Illinois FFA students who have yet to purchase a jacket are encouraged to apply here.

The GROWMARK Foundation has provided 125 jackets to Illinois FFA members over the last five years. FFA members are asked to answer the question “What does the FFA jacket mean to you?” and share the main goal they wish to accomplish as an FFA member. The Builta family will review student submissions and choose 25 students to receive the jacket, a scarf, or a tie, along with a memorial FS/GROWMARK pin with Builta’s name.

Mike Builta was raised on a family farm near Bellflower, Illinois. He was an active FFA member and lifelong supporter of agricultural education. He held GROWMARK System management roles at Christian County Farmers Supply Company in Taylorville, Illinois, and GRAINCO FS in Ottawa, Illinois, before becoming GROWMARK vice president of Energy and Logistics in 2018.

About the GROWMARK Foundation                                                                                                                                                  

The GROWMARK Foundation was formally incorporated in 2005 and supports 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organizations. The Foundation is focused on programs and activities that support the vitality of the industry of agriculture, agriculture education and consumer understanding of agriculture's contributions to society and the economy, agricultural leadership development, and education about the benefits of the cooperative way of doing business. The GROWMARK System has been involved in a variety of philanthropic efforts, including youth and young leader education and development and scholarships, for decades.