Steer auction next Monday will raise money for local Community of Hope chapter

A Holstein steer named "T-Bone" donated by a Decorah area farmer will be auctioned off at noon Monday, with the proceeds benefiting the Winneshiek County Community of Hope Foods Resource Bank growing projects.  

The Winneshiek County Community of Hope is a faith-based organization  where rural communities and urban partners join forces to raise funds.  Corn, soybeans or livestock are grown on plots donated by individuals.  Farmers supply land and equipment, agribusiness grant favorable prices or donate seed, fertilizer etc.  City folks pitch in with cash donations for the land rent and donating their time to events such as the Winneshiek County Fair Pork Producers Booth.   After the crop is harvested or livestock is ready for sale, the Winneshiek Co. Community of Hope donates 100 percent of the proceeds to selected projects of the National Food Resource Bank (FRB).  FRB is a Christian based group that enables local communities in developing countries to create food security projects to teach farmers to become self sufficient.  FRB is not an emergency response organization but is focused on helping solve hunger problems by helping people to feed themselves.

After Monday's auction, "T-Bone" will be delivered to the buyer's locker of choice within 25 miles of Decorah, or he can be resold at the sale.  This opportunity is provided by the combined efforts of the Decorah Sales Commission and the farmer.

For 2011, local funds are targeted for the Dominican Republic-Bat eyes, Uganda,  Kirk and Peru-Chita.  These countries need help with access to land, production techniques, basic education, obtaining clean water and sanitation practices.              

Donations to the Winneshiek County Community of Hope may be mailed to Jan Siefken, 1695 Middle Ossian Road, Decorah, IA  52101.