By Jamie Martin
Strong rural communities are built more than crops and livestock. They are strengthened by family traditions, local organizations, and the people who dedicate their lives to agriculture. The 2026 Hometown Roots Contest recognized two individuals who embody these values: Kari DeMoss of Iowa and Stephanie Fossum of South Dakota.
Organized by Lallemand Plant Care, the Hometown Roots Contest celebrates agriculture's role in supporting rural communities across North America. The program recognizes individuals who share meaningful stories about agriculture while also giving back to local organizations that make a difference in the lives of rural residents.
As winners of the 2026 contest, DeMoss and Fossum each received a $5,000 donation to direct toward a community organization of their choice. Their winning entries highlighted the strong connections between farming families, rural communities, and future generations.
Kari DeMoss, who was raised on a family farm in Iowa, submitted a photograph capturing a special moment between generations on the farm. The image reflected the importance of sharing farming knowledge, preserving family traditions, and passing down a love for the land. For DeMoss, agriculture is about more than harvests. It is about ensuring that valuable lessons and experiences continue from one generation to the next.
As part of her award, DeMoss selected Newell Library Friends to receive the $5,000 donation. She explained that libraries play a valuable role in rural communities by providing educational resources, programs, and opportunities for residents of all ages. Having grown up using the library herself and now taking her own children there, she believes the donation will help support local families for years to come.
The second winner, Stephanie Fossum, has spent her life connected to agriculture. Raised on a dairy farm in South Dakota, she now farms alongside her husband while raising their three children. Their operation includes corn and soybean production as well as a cow-calf enterprise.
Fossum selected State 4-H Leaders of South Dakota as the recipient of her $5,000 donation. She believes youth programs play a critical role in developing future agricultural leaders by providing educational opportunities, leadership training, scholarships, and community involvement.
According to Fossum, investing in young people is one of the best ways to strengthen the future of agriculture. She hopes the donation will create additional opportunities for youth participating in 4-H programs and encourage greater appreciation for agriculture throughout local communities.
The Hometown Roots Contest was created to celebrate the individuals who help make rural communities strong. Lallemand Plant Care says the program recognizes people whose stories reflect dedication to agriculture, community service, and support for future generations.
Since launching in 2021, the contest has recognized dozens of participants across Canada and the United States. The initiative has distributed thousands of dollars to local organizations that support education, community development, and youth engagement.
The 2026 contest ran from January through July and encouraged participants to share photographs and stories that demonstrate the value of agriculture in everyday life. The winning entries showed how farming continues to connect generations, strengthen communities, and inspire future leaders.
"The Hometown Roots Contest is about celebrating the people who make rural communities special and helping them give back in meaningful ways. We're proud that Kari and Stephanie's winning entries will help support their local communities and create opportunities for the next generation," said Anne Favre, Strategic Marketing Director of USA & Canada, Lallemand Plant Care.
Both DeMoss and Fossum represent the positive impact agriculture can have beyond the farm gate. Their commitment to community involvement demonstrates that agriculture is not only about producing food but also about supporting neighbors, investing in education, and building stronger rural communities.
Their stories serve as a reminder that the future of agriculture depends on both productive farms and thriving communities. Through programs such as the Hometown Roots Contest, organizations and individuals can work together to preserve rural traditions while creating new opportunities for generations to come.
Photo Credit: Lallemand Plant Care
Categories: National