Since 2013, Culver’s has shared appreciation for farmers, supported sustainable agricultural efforts and donated over $3.5 million to agricultural education through the Thank You Farmers® Project. One particularly special way Culver’s supports FFA is by connecting FFA members with career opportunities throughout the company.
Meet Jared Mickelson
For FFA member Jared Mickelson, one employment choice led to more opportunities to pursue his passion for agriculture than he imagined.
In 2017, Mickelson got a job at his local Culver’s. Being a team member was not only the perfect fit for him to balance school, FFA and work, but it also counted as a supervised agricultural experience (SAE).
“As a future agricultural educator, it has been amazing to work for Culver’s and to know that they will continue to work hard for students in agricultural education,” Mickelson said.
After this year’s National FFA Convention, Mickelson will become an alum – but the experiences he’s gained will benefit him as he pursues his career in agricultural education.
Meet Katrina Hoesly
Like Mickelson, FFA member Katrina Hoesly feels strongly about spreading awareness of where food comes from. So, she found a way to make her summer internship meaningful – at Culver’s Headquarters in Sauk City, Wis.
As a former Wisconsin State FFA Officer, Hoesly was able to see the impact FFA has on today’s youth. Growing up on a dairy farm, she says joining FFA was an obvious step for her to continue her involvement in agriculture.
Earlier this year, Hoesly began her summer internship at Culver Franchising System and knew her work was impacting the industry she cares most about.
“It’s great when a company’s values align with yours to support the things you are passionate about,” she said.
Hoesly interns in the marketing department and has used her experience in FFA to support Culver’s Thank You Farmers® Project.
“It is so inspiring to know I am a part of a company that is working for the future of agriculture. Being able to give back to the industry that raised me is all I could ask for,” she said.
Hoesly recently had the opportunity to attend the Wisconsin FFA State Convention on behalf of Culver’s.
Meet Jeff Meyer
On the national level, Culver’s has served over 168,000 scoops of Fresh Frozen Custard at the National FFA Convention – an experience franchise owner Jeff Meyer says is one of the most impactful ways he can meet FFA members.
For Meyer, the opportunity to energize members about the difference they can make kept him involved in FFA for 12 years.
Meyer grew up on a farm and was later a member of the Rushville FFA chapter in Indiana. Because of his experience with farming, he understands the importance of investing in our youth.
“The youth’s brain is like a sponge,” Meyer said. “The key is for them to absorb the correct information so they can have an impact on the future of agriculture.”
Meyer owns a number of Culver’s restaurants with his wife, Kristina, and says the key reason he chose to work for Culver’s is the emphasis they place on supporting farmers.
“They exemplify what it means to work alongside great people and organizations to make a difference in our communities,” Meyer said.
Other ways Culver’s has been able to support FFA include fundraisers like Scoops of Thanks Day, providing funds for local chapters through the FFA Essay Contest and by donating blue jackets to members through the Blue Jacket Program.
To learn more about how Culver’s supports agricultural education, visit https://www.culvers.com/about-culvers/thank-you-farmers-project.
