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by Lynn Snyder

Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) is looking for people who are at the top of their league in agriculture.

If you work off the farm and derive the majority of your income from a source other than a farm operation that you own, then this new young farmer contest is for you.

The Excellence in Agriculture Award is designed to recognize successful Farm Bureau members (singles or couples), age 35 years and younger, who do not derive the majority of their income from an owned agricultural operation. However, they are actively contributing and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture. re.The award may be appropriate for DARRELL, SHOULD WE EXPAND ON WHAT THIS MEANS? Tagriculture teachers, extension agents, soil conservation scientists and those who are farm employees.

A winner from each of the three OFBF regions will be selected from among county winners in 2002. They will be honored at the Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, Dec. 4-6, where the state winner and representative to AFBF will be announced.

"AFBF is implementing this program this year, and we are fortunate to be able to be on board from the start," said OFBF Director of Young Leaders Darrell Rubel. "It gives Farm Bureau an opportunity to recognize more people for their contributions to agriculture as well as to offer them a chance to win some great prizes," Rubel said. "It’s always a plus to be able to pat more people on the back for their involvement in our industry."

Teams of qualified judges will select one winner from each county and from the three Farm Bureau regions. Scoring will be based on:

• Involvement in agriculture, through job or personal involvement on farm
• Leadership ability
• Involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations (civic, service and community)
• Presentation (State Finals Only)

"There has been a lot of talk about the presentation, but really it is just an interview to give contestants an opportunity to share the information they provided on their application," Rubel said. At the county contest, a presentation is optional. At the state level, contestants will provide a Power Point presentation, to comply with AFBF guidelines.

Prizes

Regional Winners

• Two nights lodging and group meals at OFBF Annual Meeting

State Winner

• $500 award sponsored by Dodge Trucks
• $1,000 certificate toward a home computer or other technology purchase, sponsored by Ohio Farm Bureau
• Chime clock
• Expense-paid trip to AFBF Annual Meeting in Tampa, FL, Jan. 19-22, 2003

National Winner

• 1st place – 1500 Dodge Ram Quad Cab Truck
• American Farm Bureau is still determining prizes for runners-up

Applications are available from your county Farm Bureau office. Deadline for mailing entries for the OFBF contest is Oct. 18. Contact your county office for local contest information.