Young Farmers and Ranchers Nationally Recognized for Excellence in Industry

Stihl Inc. recently celebrated America’s next generation of agricultural leaders at the 2016 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Awards. Young Farmers and ranchers from across the United States gathered in Orlando, Fla. in January to compete for awards recognizing knowledge and commitment to agriculture.

“We at Stihl are always impressed by the determination of the competitors at the Young Farmers & Ranchers Awards,” said Roger Phelps, corporate communications manager for Stihl Inc. “Their enthusiasm gives us confidence in the future of American agriculture, and we’re proud to honor their achievements.”

The Achievement, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture award competitions were open to participants between the ages of 18-35. Stihl Inc. sponsored the competitions, awarding $3,000 in cash and Stihl merchandise to the finalists.

Achievement Award

The Achievement Award recognizes those who have excelled in their farming or ranching operations and exhibited superior leadership abilities.

• • Achievement Award Winners: William and Cala Tabb of Eupora, Miss.
• • Finalist: Dustin and Ashley Morris of Richland Parish, La.
• • Finalist: Jay Head of Montgomery County, Tenn.
• • Finalist: Sam and Ashley Gardner of Bedford County, Va.

Discussion Meet

The Discussion Meet competition challenges participants to engage in active discussion and exchange ideas on a predetermined topic.

• • Discussion Meet Winner: Chris Van Vlack of Loudoun County, Va.
• • Finalist: Dean Cheshire of Gainesville, Fla.
• • Finalist: Hunter Grills of Newbern, Tenn.
• • Finalist: Danielle Grant of Putnam, West Va.

Excellence in Agriculture

The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive most of their income from agriculture but actively contribute and grow through their involvement, leadership and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.

• • Excellence in Agriculture Winner: Michael Miron of Hugo, Minn.
• • Finalist: Jesse and Mary Faber of Livingston County, Ill.
• • Finalist: Steven and Claudia Long of Lexington County, S.C.
• • Finalist: Mindy McCroskey of Washington County, Va.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is the country’s largest general farm organization and prides itself on being the unified national voice of agriculture.

For more information on the American Farm Bureau Federation, visit www.fb.org.