Celebrating Agriculture and Community: Lallemand Announces 2025 Hometown Roots Winners

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Oct 01, 2025, 09:00 ET

MONTREAL, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Across the U.S., from Idaho to Minnesota, rural voices are showing how one photo can make a difference. Six winners of Lallemand's 2025 Hometown Roots contest have each chosen a local organization to receive $5,000, supporting programs that strengthen rural communities and celebrate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

This year's winners include Monty Hamilton of Idaho, Michael Pawlowski of Montana, Collin Powell of South Dakota, Brenden Klebe of North Dakota, Ashley Babl of Nebraska, and Gabe Foltz of Minnesota.

Our family farm we raise peas, lentils and chickpeas. Our kids get excited when the peas are ready to pick and eat for the short time during the growing season. Michael Pawlowski, Circle, Montana. (CNW Group/Lallemand Plant Care)

This photo represents all the hard work and dedication applicators do to help the farming community. Without their support our growers and communities would not be as successful. Monty Hamilton, Kimberly, Idaho. (CNW Group/Lallemand Plant Care)

As a young producer coming back to the area my fiancé and myself have bought a local lodge from a retiring family in the area. The building has been around since 1909 and a lodge since 2000. We hope to preserve it in the community and use it as a way build our family and operation as we start our own lodging and diversification to both of our family farms.
Collin Powell, Kimball, South Dakota. (CNW Group/Lallemand Plant Care) — As a young producer coming back to the area my fiancé and myself have bought a local lodge from a retiring family in the area. The building has been around since 1909 and a lodge since 2000. We hope to preserve it in the community and use it as a way build our family and operation as we start our own lodging and diversification to both of our family farms. Collin Powell, Kimball, South Dakota. (CNW Group/Lallemand Plant Care)

I think this photo encapsulates the agricultural world. This was taken after a severe thunderstorm passed through, dropping three inches of rain in just 15 minutes. Afterwards, we looked outside and noticed how green everything was, with cows roaming through the pasture, enjoying the grass. The rainbow then brought beauty to the scene after a nasty storm. Just shows that even after some tough times, good times are right around the corner. Brenden Klebe, Willlow City, North Dakota. (CNW Group/Lallemand Plant Care)

I chose to submit this picture of my son sipping on a fresh orange pop in a mug that had been rolling around in the cab for who knows how long. This picture represents peace. This picture represents us looking forward to the future of agriculture, life; you name it. We also must look to our youth as they are next in line and support them in any way possible.
Ashley Babl, Albion, Nebraska. (CNW Group/Lallemand Plant Care) — I chose to submit this picture of my son sipping on a fresh orange pop in a mug that had been rolling around in the cab for who knows how long. This picture represents peace. This picture represents us looking forward to the future of agriculture, life; you name it. We also must look to our youth as they are next in line and support them in any way possible. Ashley Babl, Albion, Nebraska. (CNW Group/Lallemand Plant Care)

We are entering wheat harvest season. Even though we are surrounded by corn and soybeans, we continue to grow wheat on our farm to enhance our crop rotation. Can’t beat calling it a successful day and watching the sunset from the combine! Gabe Foltz, Callaway, Minnesota. (CNW Group/Lallemand Plant Care)

The Hometown Roots contest invites participants to capture and share the spirit of agriculture in their communities. From candid farm life moments to scenes that reflect rural life, this year's entries highlighted the pride, creativity, and resilience of rural living.

Meet the 2025 winners:

Monty Hamilton, Kimberly, Idaho
"I'm passionate about supporting youth in agriculture, and that's why I chose the Kimberly FFA Alumni and Supporters to receive this donation. The group restarted recently after being inactive for a while, and these funds will help strengthen the local FFA chapter, improve contests, and create more opportunities for students to get involved in agriculture. My hope is that this support will bring more young people into the program and help them see the many roles and opportunities in our industry. I'm very grateful to Lallemand for recognizing the importance of investing in smaller communities and the future of agriculture."
Michael Pawlowski, Circle, Montana
"One of my favorite parts of this experience was telling my kids that the picture we submitted had won. It was taken while we were out scouting fields with a storm rolling in behind us, and the kids were eating field peas. When I told them the picture had won, they didn't quite understand and just asked if we could go back out and pick more peas! I chose the Circle Volunteer Fire Department to receive this donation because they provide such an important service to our rural community, and they do it entirely as volunteers. I'm grateful to Lallemand for creating a contest that lets us support organizations that really matter to agriculture and small towns like ours."
Collin Powell, Kimball, South Dakota
"Wrestling has always been a big part of my family, and we see a lot of similarities between the sport and agriculture. Both teach hard work, discipline, and leadership, and both push you to be your best. That's why I chose to support the Kimball High School Wrestling Program to receive this donation. I grew up on a family farm, farm on the side today, and I also work as an ag banker here in my hometown, so giving back to the local youth feels especially meaningful. I'm thankful to Lallemand for recognizing the importance of supporting rural communities and the next generation."
Brenden Klebe, Willow City, North Dakota
"I was completely surprised to be this year's North Dakota winner of the Hometown Roots contest. I chose the Willow City Community Club because, growing up in a small farming community, I knew the funds could really be put to good use, upgrading the community hall, supporting our volunteer fire department, and keeping our town vibrant for the next generation. I'm very grateful to Lallemand for running a contest that helps small communities like ours. It really makes a difference."
Ashley Babl, Albion, Nebraska
"I was so excited to see that Brantlee's picture was chosen, I had actually forgotten I submitted it! Kids are important little people, and it's important we guide them well. I selected the Teammates Mentoring Program – Boon Central Chapter because my son participates in it, and I hope this donation helps them reach more children and do even more good in our community. I'm grateful to Lallemand for running a contest that supports rural communities like ours."
Gabe Foltz, Callaway, Minnesota
"I was excited to be this year's Minnesota winner of the Hometown Roots contest. Wrestling has been a huge part of my life, and I started in the Detroit Lakes Youth Wrestling program when I was in kindergarten. It means a lot to give back to the program that did so much for me, and I hope these funds help more kids in our community get involved in the sport. I'm thankful to Lallemand for this opportunity and for the donation to help support my community!"

"As a family-owned business, giving back to rural communities is part of who we are," says Anne Favre, Strategic Marketing Director – USA & Canada, Lallemand Plant Care. "The Hometown Roots contest celebrates the people and programs that make rural life strong and vibrant."

Launched in 2021, the Hometown Roots Contest has enabled Lallemand to award $5,000 to 29 rural organizations across the U.S. and Canada, supporting programs that provide hands-on learning, youth mentorship, and essential community services.

For more information and full contest rules, visit www.lallemandhometownroots.com.

About Lallemand
For over 100 years, Lallemand has been an expert in yeast and bacteria manufacturing. It is now a global leader in the development, production, and marketing of microorganisms for various industries. Using sound science and know-how, Lallemand Plant Care provides effective microbial-based solutions that deliver agronomic, economic, and sustainable value to growers.

SOURCE Lallemand Plant Care