Winners of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture competitions were announced Tuesday January 12 at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 92nd Annual Meeting. Young farmers and ranchers from around the country competed for the awards by demonstrating knowledge of and achievement in agriculture, as well as commitment to promoting the agriculture industry.



The three runners-up in the Excellence in Agriculture competition were Brian and Dacia Brown of Hillsboro, Illinois, Ken and Malissa Schentzel of Minnesota and Shawn and Vanessa Duren of Tennessee. Each runner up received a $6,000 Savings Bond and a STIHL Farm Boss chainsaw, courtesy of STIHL.



The Excellence in Agriculture 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.



Chris and Jennie Simms of Virginia won the Excellence in Agriculture Award. They received a 2011 Dodge Ram pickup, courtesy of Dodge, and free registration to the YF&R Leadership Conference.



The contest was open to all Farm Bureau members 18-35 years of age, provided they meet the eligibility requirements spelled out on the application form. Applicants could apply as individuals or couples. Applicants were judged on their county & state Farm Bureau® involvement, other leadership experience, awards and recognition received. Prior to going to the AFBF in Atlanta the Browns travelled to the 2010 IAA Annual Meeting in St. Louis and completed in the final stage of judging with a presentation on Monday December 6 and won, therefore allowing them to go to Atlanta. At the AFBF in Atlanta they needed to be one of the 10 ten applicants to be able to complete and give their presentation. They were informed on Sunday that they had made the top ten and would do their presentation Monday Morning at 8:30 a.m. Although the rest of the people that attended the AFBF from Montgomery County had an Illinois breakfast to attend, they left early so they could support Brian and Dacia during their presentation.



It was also a good year for other Young Leaders from Illinois as well. Runner-up in the Achievement Award contest included Matt DeBlock of Mercer county Illinois. Grant Strom from Knox county made it to the Sweet 16 round of the Discussion Meet.