The FCS Financial Rural Community & Agriculture Foundation presented a $10,000 grant to the Buchanan County Fair Board on July 23 during its scheduled board meeting.
The funds are designated for the construction of a new, dedicated livestock washrack at the newly established Buchanan County Fairgrounds in Easton. The planned wash facility designed for large livestock, small species, and equine will include a 20' x 55' x 6" concrete pad, heavy-duty pipe tie rails, and an area drainage system designed to handle high-volume use during regional livestock events.
The washrack is a top-priority addition to the fairground’s newly constructed agricultural complex, which repurposed the former Easton Middle School site and an additional 10-acre property into an enclosed arena. Since the county’s last local livestock show in 2021 at the former St. Joe Stockyards, Buchanan County 4-H and FFA students have been forced to travel more than an hour away to showcase their animals. The new facility brings youth agricultural shows back home to Buchanan County.
FCS Financial employeese meet with fair board members with the donation check for the new washrack.
“Having an operational wash area was our top priority to ensure our arena is ready for our 4-H and FFA youth as well as upcoming multi-county livestock shows,” said Tim Gach, Buchanan County Fairgrounds. “Our mission is provide a facility to area 4-H clubs, FFA chapters and rural agricultural community members to promote civic engagement activities enhancing education, life, and leadership schools. We are deeply grateful to the FCS Financial for supporting our vision.”
The FCS Financial Rural Community & Agriculture Foundation provides grant funding for long-term investments that strengthen rural infrastructure, support agriculture, and enhance the quality of life across FCS Financial's 102-county service area in Missouri.
“Investing in the future of agriculture means supporting the young people who build leadership and life skills through 4-H and FFA,” said Rob Guinn, Chief Executive Officer of FCS Financial. “Projects like the Buchanan County Fairgrounds not only empower our youth, but they also bring renewed economic energy and community spirit to rural towns like Easton. FCS Financial is proud to partner with the Fair Board to help make this long-term investment in rural Missouri.”
To learn more about FCS Financial Rural Community & Agriculture Foundation visit www.myfcsfinancial.com
