This year, in just nine months, the World Soy Foundation (WSF) has raised more than 85 percent of our $100,000 goal for the Acre Challenge campaign. The top supporting states of this spring have helped give the campaign an extra boost and we are looking to carry that momentum right past the 100K mark in the final three months of the campaign—starting with July, which we’ve declared to be “Acre Challenge Month.”

The Acre Challenge, a fundraising campaign started by farmers FOR farmers, is a way U.S. soybean farmers can help alleviate hunger and malnutrition around the world by donating the value of an acre of soybeans. The campaign allows U.S. soybean farmers the opportunity to ensure the protein they work hard to grow makes it to those who need it most around the world.

Since March, over 160 donors accepted the Challenge and have donated the value of an acre to the WSF—putting the total number of donors for the year at nearly 450 individuals from 30 states. We want to thank each individual donor and recognize the top three supporting states for their extraordinary efforts in helping us get closer to our goal.

Still holding strong in first place is Iowa! Iowa soybean farmers have continued to show their support, with 60 donors giving nearly $16,000! Randy Van Kooten, a current WSF Board Member and former President of the Iowa Soybean Association, says this about the WSF: “I got involved with the WSF because I know the role soy can play in providing nourishment. Helping others makes you feel good about your profession and being a soybean farmer.”

Coming in second for top Acre Challenge supporters are the farmers of Illinois, raising nearly $13,450 from 49 individual donors, followed by Missouri with 12 donors giving just over $7,630 so far. These top three states understand the value of their soybean crop and continue to help the Foundation be part of the solution to reduce global malnutrition through the power of soy!

The Acre Challenge isn’t finished yet. With three months left in the fiscal year, we are working hard to reach our goal of $100,000 by the end of September! With this month being “Acre Challenge Month”, we want to get a jumpstart on these last 90 days of the campaign. To help us reach our goal, and help your state compete for the #1 spot, simply calculate the value of an acre of soybeans in your operation (yield multiplied by price) and give the gift of protein today!

Donate online or send your check to: World Soy Foundation; 12125 Woodcrest Executive Drive, Suite 100; St. Louis, Mo. 63141. Stay Connected!  Visit us online or on Twitter (@TheWSF), Facebook and YouTube!