Community collaboration revives crops project at Montgomery County Fair

Brent Runyan, a seed salesman and 10-year 4-H member, organized a series of community initiatives to revive the crops project at the Montgomery County Fair in Indiana.

Runyan noticed that many project shelves at local county fairs were empty and wanted to ensure younger members could experience the same agricultural education he received as a child. Runyan worked with the Indiana Specialty Group and 4-H board members to secure a donation through the Channeling Good program.

In 2025, these funds helped build a new grand stage for the Montgomery County Fair to attract larger crowds for concerts and off-season events. By 2026, Runyan shifted his focus specifically toward the crops project to encourage more youth to participate in row crop agriculture. To make the project more appealing, Runyan coordinated with local businesses and families to provide prizes. These donations funded hats and large folding chairs for every participant in the crops project.

Local supporters including Helena, Stephens Farms and Livestock, Premier Crop Insurance, and John Gable-Beck’s Hybrids contributed to the pool. Runyan plans to expand these efforts to neighboring Fountain County to help more young people find the benefits of participating in agricultural projects.