Chamber Agriculture Committee Invites Members to Be a Farmer for a Season

Have you ever stopped and thought about the time, care and effort that goes into one acre of corn?

Here is your chance.

The Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce’s agriculture committee launched its ‘Adopt an Acre’ program on April 10, 2008.

Chamber members will be able to purchase shares of corn from a local farmer for $15. A maximum amount of 50 shares will be sold.

In November, shareholders will turn in their share certificates and profits will hopefully be distributed.

“As with all stocks, there is the risk of losing your investment due to weather conditions, free market price fluctuation and other factors,” said Mr. Charlie Benner, a member of the agicrulture committee.  

Currently, 37 shares have been sold.

According to price speculation, the Committee’s estimated corn price will be around $6 per bushel this year.

Ms. Dawn E. Gessel, economic development specialist for the chamber, will be visiting the farm each month to give investors a first-hand update on the crop’s progress.

Updates will be given at the chamber monthly meetings in hopes of showing investors what truly goes into maintaining an acre of corn.

On April 17, Ms. Gessel drove the tractor and planted a row of corn—31,600 seeds to be exact.

The farmer and farm chosen will remain a secret until the November monthly meeting.

Shares will be for sale until May 8, 2008.