“Dear Jones Edmunds & Associates, thank you for supporting me at the Florida Gateway Fair. The money I received will go to my banking account for college,” wrote Mayson.

Mayson, a Columbia County student, participated in the 67th Annual Florida Gateway Fair, which features agricultural and livestock exhibits, home arts competitions, carnival rides and games for all ages, live music and midway entertainment, craft and merchandise vendors, petting zoo, and more. This year, Jones Edmunds sponsored a child of the New River Solid Waste Association’s staff for the Youth Livestock program. The program teaches farming best practices, encourages entrepreneurship and results in college savings. We have worked with New River Solid Waste Association, an environmentally friendly waste facility serving citizens and businesses across Baker, Bradford, and Union Counties in Florida, since 1990.

For 180 days, Mayson cared for her pig, which she received from a breeder at approximately three months old. She fed the pig twice daily, tracked its daily weight and adjusted its feed depending on weight gain or lack thereof. She created a worming and washing/skin conditioning schedule as well as a budget, where she tracked expenses, income, and depreciation. At the end of the program, Mayson marketed her pig to potential buyers to make a profit. She placed her profit into a savings account to be re-invested into next year’s program and a portion set aside for upcoming college expenses.

With hard work and dedication, Mayson met her goal. “Jones Edmunds is happy to have served a small role in her success,” says President and CEO Rick Ferreira. “We are cheering Mayson on and look forward to her continued growth and future accomplishments.”