the winners got a new pick-up. 
Young Farmers and Ranchers Take Top Honors
SEATTLE, January 12, 2010 – Winners of the Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture competitions were announced yesterday at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 91st annual meeting. Young farmers from around the United States competed for the awards by demonstrating knowledge of and achievement in agriculture, as well as commitment to promoting the agriculture industry.
Aaron and Ashley Reding of Kentucky won the Achievement Award. They are the winners of a 2010 Dodge Ram Pickup courtesy of Dodge. They also received paid registration to the 2010 AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference, Feb. 20-22 in Tulsa, Okla.
Runners-up in the Achievement Award contest included Joe and Angela Mann of Indiana; Eric and Jo Ann Maupin of Tennessee; Jeremy and Carissa Gillam of Arkansas; and Jamie Jones of Connecticut. The runners up received a Case IH Farmall 31 Tractor, courtesy of Case IH.
The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who have excelled in their farming or ranching operations and exhibited superior leadership abilities. Participants are evaluated on a combination of their agricultural operation’s growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership and leadership outside Farm Bureau.
Rachel Bina of North Dakota won the Discussion Meet. She will take home a 2010 Dodge Ram Pickup, courtesy of Dodge, plus free registration to the 2010 AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference, Feb. 20-22 in Tulsa, Okla.
The three runners-up in the Discussion Meet were Jamie Ager of North Carolina; Jennifer Cruise of Alabama; and Michael Honeycutt of Indiana. Each of the runners-up received a $6,000 Savings Bond and a STIHL Farm Boss chainsaw, both courtesy of STIHL.
The Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting in which active discussion and participation are expected. Participants are evaluated on their ability to exchange ideas and information on a predetermined topic.
Scott and Mendy Sink of Virginia won the Excellence in Ag Award. They received a 2010 Dodge Ram pickup, courtesy of Dodge, and free registration to the YF&R Leadership Conference.
The three runners-up in the Excellence in Ag competition were Steve and Kimmie Gauck of Indiana; Greg and Charity Vold of Minnesota; and Daniel and Alison Smith of Kentucky. Each of the runners-up received a $6,000 savings bond and a STIHL Farm Boss chainsaw, both courtesy of STIHL.
The Excellence in Ag award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation, but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability, and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.