AgPlus Cooperative donated more than $5,000 to the United Way of Southwest Minnesota after holding a chili feed contest that ran March 16 in Ghent, Marshall on March 17 and ending in Canby on March 18.

Following a merger in the fall of 2019, United Way reached out the newly formed Ag Plus Cooperative with the purpose of promoting a workplace campaign that would draw community involvement.

The leadership team at AgPlus drew names and divided themselves into three competitive teams:

• The White-hot Chili Peppers comprised of Angie Hulzebos, Adam Steffes and Don Brown

• Bowls of Steel comprised of Andrea Pyle, Justin Ranek and Liz Rheingans

• Real Chili included Steve Traen, Todd Ludwig and Carey Doyscher

A total of 98 votes were cast throughout the three feeds. The three events raised $1,835. AgPlus made a two-for-one pledge and made a $5,505 donation to the United Way.