Lee Trawick
Reporter2@riverbendnews.org
On Wednesday, Dec. 7, Nutrien announced a three-year partnership of $50,000 a year to support Hamilton County High School's (HCHS) agriculture program. This partnership will provide students with educational leadership opportunities, support students' hands-on learning at HCHS's agriculture lab, and will support the program's needs. To add to their investment in Hamilton County's future, Nutrien also donated a John Deere tractor with mower and tiller attachments.
Nutrien has been established in White Springs for nearly 50 years, and has provided income for Hamilton County, along with jobs for many citizens. It is the world's largest provider of crop inputs and services, and plays a critical role in helping growers increase food production in a sustainable manner. Nutrien's act of dedication to “feeding the future” of Hamilton County is one of many contributions the company makes to its county and its citizens. It produces and distributes approximately 27 million tones of potash, nitrogen and phosphate products worldwide.
The company has also become a staple at the Hamilton County Youth Livestock Show, where it continues to invest in the county's youth and their opportunity to learn about the proper raising of livestock. In addition, Nutrien provides scholarships at Big Bend and Wiregrass Technical Colleges for students pursuing a trade or technical education. The company doesn't just limit itself to the agricultural aspect, though, as it also sponsors youth through the Hamilton County Recreation Department's various sports programs.
Annually, in White Springs and surrounding communities, Nutrien invests over $260,000. By partnering with the Florida Gateway Food Bank, a distribution partner of Feeding America, Nutrien also ensures people in its community don't go hungry, which is at the hart of its mission.
Joining the ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 7, were Interim Executive Vice President Trevor Williams (nitrogen and phosphate), Vice President of Operations Mike Dirham (phosphate), White Springs Phosphate General Manager Jeffrey Joyce and Government and Industry Affairs Manager Rachel Garland. Also in attendance for this momentous occasion were Superintendent Dorothy Lee Wetherington-Zamora, along with the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners and Hamilton County School Board.
This three-year partnership will provide HCHS with a total of $150,000. To show their appreciation for this donation, the high school's agricultural facility will officially be named the Nutrien Ag Lab.