By Carrie Muehling
DECATUR – An “online coffee shop” for farmers to share their experiences and teach others about agriculture turned into an opportunity to give back for Farm Hats founder Kent Blunier of Forrest, Ill.
Blunier began the Facebook group in May 2015 after he read an article about farmers and the hats they wear, both literally and figuratively.
“As a farmer, you could be a welder in the morning, and agronomist in the afternoon, and you’re a businessman every night doing their books,” said Blunier.
Blunier encouraged his friends to share the group with others and to post farmer selfies – or “felfies” – to the site. He hoped for some fun interaction between farmers and thought it could also be an educational tool for those following the group who are not familiar with modern production agriculture practices. Blunier thought he might get a few hundred followers over several months, but saw over 200 people join the group in the first 24 hours. Those participating include farmers from Germany, New Zealand and Australia.
Blunier took the effort a step further and designed a “Farm Hats” shirt to raise money for Agriculture in the Classroom efforts. He marketed it exclusively through the Facebook group and raised close to $450 for to agriculture literacy efforts in Livingston County. Blunier presented the check to the IAA Foundation on Wednesday at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur.
The funds will help to bring elementary school-aged students from Chicago to Blunier Farms and Kilgus Farmstead in Livingston County for a field trip in the spring.
Carrie Muehling can be reached at carrie@wjbc.com.
