Young Farmers and Ranchers Win Top Honors

SALT LAKE CITY, January 8, 2007 Winners of the Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture competitions were announced today at the American Farm Bureau Federations (AFBF) 88th annual meeting. Young farmers and ranchers from around the United States competed for the awards by demonstrating knowledge of and achievement in agriculture, as well as commitment to promoting the agricultural industry.

Prizes for winners and runners-up included  2007 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 SLT Quad Cab 4x4 pickup trucks; Case IH DX compact tractor and a $250 parts-and-service gift certificate, courtesy of Case IH;$4,000 and $6,000 U.S. Savings Bonds and Farm Boss chainsaws, courtesy of Stihl Outdoor Power Equipment.  free registrations to the 2007 AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference, Feb. 10-13, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Maine Farm Bureau (MFB) offers the Young Farmer and Rancher Program to men and women ages 18-35. It provides an excellent opportunity for young farmers to develop leadership and to actively participate in Farm Bureau programs.  Each year Maine Young Farmers are invited to register to compete in November at MFB's annual meeting. Awards for state winners include travel and lodging to AFBF's annual meeting where they compete at national level. 

Prizes which were awarded this week are typical of those which are given each year.

For more information about Young Farmers, call Jasmine Jennings at MFB (800) 639-2126.

Doug and Barbara Blackstone of Easton attended AFBF's meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. Doug serves as president of Maine Farm Bureau. Robert (Bob) and Helene Hammond of Harrington also attended. Bob is vice president of Maine Farm Bureau.

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