Indiana Ag Connection - Young Farmer Award Deadline Nears

Indiana Ag News Headlines

Young Farmer Award Deadline Nears
Indiana Ag Connection - 07/15/2008

Young farmers who are members of Indiana Farm Bureau have a few more days to apply for the IFB Young Farmer Achievement Award or Excellence in Agriculture Award.

"Indiana has had three national young farmer winners in the last four years -- our young farmers can compete with the best in the nation," said Chris Fenner, IFB Young Farmer program coordinator. "We have so many young members making a difference in their communities and I consider these applications a great opportunity for them to review their operations and get recognition for their management skills or their contributions to the agriculture industry."

To be eligible to enter either of the contests, applicants must be:

-- Voting members of Indiana Farm Bureau.

-- Between the ages of 18 and 35 as of Jan. 31, 2009.

-- Indiana residents engaged in the production of agricultural products in Indiana. Prior contestants, except for state winners, may re-enter.

The Young Farmer Achievement Award recognizes and rewards those outstanding young Farm Bureau members whose farm management techniques and commitment to their community set a positive example for everyone involved in production agriculture. Applicants must earn a majority of their income from production agriculture. First place earns a $6,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance; a $500 cash prize from Dodge; 1 year's or 350 hours' free use of a 40-100 horsepower Kubota tractor courtesy of Kubota Tractor Corp.; the David L. Leising Memorial Award, including a $200 savings bond; and expenses paid to the 2009 national convention. Two runners-up will receive a $1,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.

The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers who do not derive the majority of their income from an owned agricultural operation but who are actively contributing to agriculture and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture. Participants will be judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations (civic, service and community). First place will receive a John Deere Gator courtesy of Farm Credit Services, a $3,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, a $500 cash prize from Dodge and expenses paid to the 2009 national convention. Two runners-up will receive a $1,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.

Applications for the achievement and excellence in agriculture awards are due to the state office by Aug. 2. Applications are available on the IFB website, www.infarmbureau.org, or by contacting Kathryn Rogers at 317-692-7815 or krogers@infarmbureau.org.

Information is also available for the Young Farmer Discussion Meet, which takes place at IFB state convention in December. The deadline for the discussion meet is Nov. 3. For more information on all IFB Young Farmer contests, visit www.infarmbureau.org or call the IFB organizational development team at 317-692-7815.