A Newell woman’s photograph celebrating generations on a family farm has earned a $5,000 donation for a local organization.
Kari DeMoss was named one of two winners of Lallemand Plant Care’s 2026 Hometown Roots Contest. She selected Newell Library Friends to receive the $5,000 donation.
DeMoss was raised on a family farm, and her winning photograph captures a moment between generations on the farm, highlighting the passing down of agricultural knowledge and a connection to the land.
The donation will support the Newell library with additional books, programs and resources for children, families and other community members.
DeMoss said the photograph has personal significance because she grew up visiting the library and now takes her own children there.
“Libraries are an asset to their communities, perhaps even more so in rural communities,” DeMoss said.
She said she appreciates Lallemand for recognizing the people and communities connected to agriculture while giving contest winners an opportunity to support local organizations.
The Hometown Roots Contest was launched in 2021 to recognize connections to agriculture and rural life in communities across the United States and Canada. According to Lallemand, the contest has recognized 34 winners and provided a total of $170,000 in donations to local organizations since its launch.
The 2026 contest ran from Jan. 26 through July 13. DeMoss was selected as the Iowa winner, while Stephanie Fossum of South Dakota was selected as the South Dakota winner. Fossum also received a $5,000 donation to direct to a local organization.
Lallemand Plant Care Strategic Marketing Director for the U.S. and Canada Anne Favre said the contest celebrates people who make rural communities special and helps winners give back to their communities.
For more information about the Hometown Roots Contest, visit Lallemand’s Hometown Roots website.
