Community

Luke Bryan Joins Bayer & FFA for Can-Do Challenge

Luke Bryan poses with FFA students after their Can-Do Challenge

At Bayer, we believe in cultivating a healthier world, and that extends far beyond the fields. It’s about nourishing communities, fostering innovation, and empowering the next generation. As part of our long-standing partnership with country music superstar Luke Bryan—Bayer sponsors his annual Farm Tour for ten years—we launched the "Can-Do Challenge," a statewide competition that brought together California's Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters in a truly remarkable way.

The challenge was simple yet profound: FFA chapters were tasked with designing and building farm-themed structures entirely out of donated canned goods. The goal? To donate every single can to local food banks, directly supporting hunger relief efforts across California.

As a leader in agriculture, we are deeply committed to rural America and community well-being. Hunger is especially prevalent in low-income rural communities. The Can-Do Challenge perfectly embodies our values, empowering young leaders to address food insecurity in their own communities. Seeing the passion and creativity of these FFA chapters was truly inspiring.

Beth Roden

SVP and Head of Communications, North America, Bayer

From towering barns to a spinning windmill, each structure was a testament to their creativity and commitment to making a difference. Chapters showcased their incredible builds on Instagram, tagging @BayerUS, @CaliforniaFFA, and @LukeBryan, and using the hashtag #BayerContest, sparking a wave of community engagement online.

The competition culminated on May 7th, and the winning chapter hailed from Gilroy, California. Their exceptional structure earned them a $5,000 prize for their chapter, exclusive Luke Bryan merchandise, and a well-deserved shout-out on Luke Bryan's Instagram. The winning chapter has 262 members, and they donated 240 cans to St Joseph’s Family Center in Gilroy.

"The California FFA is incredibly proud of the dedication and creativity shown by our chapters in the Can-Do Challenge,” said Matt Patton, California FFA Foundation Executive Director. “This initiative highlighted our members’ talent and reinforced the vital role agriculture plays in supporting our communities. We extend our gratitude to Bayer and Luke Bryan for providing such a meaningful opportunity."

To celebrate California FFA's incredible participation, the state officers had an unforgettable opportunity: meeting Luke Bryan in person during his concert on May 17th at Sillect Farms in Shafter, CA. It was a fitting recognition of their hard work and a moment of connection between the future of agriculture and a true champion of the community.