MONTREAL, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kari DeMoss of Iowa and Stephanie Fossum of South Dakota have been selected as the 2026 Hometown Roots Contest winners, each receiving a $5,000 donation from Lallemand Plant Care to direct to a local organization in their community.
Their winning entries highlight the connections between generations of farmers and the agricultural communities that support them. Meet the 2026 winners:
Kari DeMoss, Iowa
DeMoss was raised on a family farm. Her winning photo captures a special moment between generations on the farm, sharing knowledge and passing down a love of the land. She selected Newell Library Friends to receive a $5,000 donation.
"This photograph means a great deal to me personally, so it's rewarding to know it resonated with others as well. I grew up going to that library and now take my own kids there. Libraries are an asset to their communities, perhaps even more so in rural communities."
DeMoss hopes the donation will help provide additional books, programs, and resources for children, families, and others who use the library.
"I appreciate Lallemand recognizing the people and communities behind agriculture while giving back in a meaningful way."
Stephanie Fossum, South Dakota
Fossum grew up on a dairy farm and has been involved in agriculture her entire life. Today, she and her husband raise their three children on his family farm, where they grow corn and soybeans and have a cow-calf operation. Fossum selected State 4-H Leaders of SD to receive her $5,000 donation.
"I selected the State 4-H Leaders of SD to receive this donation because I think it will benefit the youth involved in South Dakota 4-H. The leaders support kids in the 4-H program by offering scholarships to attend state 4-H programs, offer mini grants to counties to provide educational 4-H opportunities, as well as supporting county 4-H leaders."
Fossum hopes the donation will create further opportunities for youth involved in the 4-H program and strengthen their connection to agriculture.
"As a winner, I hope to spread the appreciation for agriculture further into our communities, counties, and state programs and expand the agricultural knowledge of current members. I appreciate Lallemand giving people involved in agriculture in the U.S. this opportunity to further support their local community."
"The Hometown Roots Contest is about celebrating the people who make rural communities special and helping them give back in meaningful ways. We're proud that Kari and Stephanie's winning entries will help support their local communities and create opportunities for the next generation," says Anne Favre, Strategic Marketing Director – USA & Canada, Lallemand Plant Care.
About the Hometown Roots Contest
Launched in 2021, Lallemand's Hometown Roots Contest celebrates the deep connection to agriculture and rural life within communities across Canada and the U.S. Since its launch, the contest has recognized 34 winners and donated a total of $170,000 to local organizations across North America.
The 2026 contest ran from January 26 to July 13, with one $5,000 donation awarded in Iowa and South Dakota. Winners selected a local community organization or charity to receive the donation.
For more information, visit https://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. For more information, visit www.lallemand.com
SOURCE Lallemand Plant Care
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