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All Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) members should be proud of the young farmers who represented the three regions in this year’s young farmer contests, but the River Valley Region has three extra reasons to celebrate.

At OFBF’s annual meeting, Kent and Joy Bauman of Adams County won the Young Farm Couple competition. Neall Weber of Franklin County was named top Young Farmer, and Christopher and Sarah Helsinger of Montgomery County won the second annual Excellence in Agriculture award. The winners will get an expense-paid trip to Honolulu for the American Farm Bureau annual meeting. The Baumans and Helsingers will represent OFBF in competition.

The Young Farm Couple and Young Farmer awards recognize members 35 or younger for their achievements in the farming business and their leadership in the agricultural community. The Excellence in Agriculture award recognizes successful members 35 or younger who are involved in farming but whose primary occupation is not farming or owning an agricultural business. The award is based on their involvement in agriculture and participation in Farm Bureau and other community organizations.

The Baumans produce corn, soybeans, burley tobacco and greenhouse tobacco float plants. They also have 100 head of registered Angus seedstock and 22 head replacement heifers. The couple has farmed 11 years full-time and eight years part-time while in school. Kent has a bachelor’s degree in animal science and agriculture economics, and Joy has a bachelor’s degree in agriculture communication and animal science.

In spite of many challenges facing young couples trying to get a start in farming, the Baumans said the rewards are worth the effort. "We have three daughters, and I can’t think of any place I’d rather raise my family than on the family farm," Joy said. As for why they are involved in Farm Bureau, Kent said the return on the time invested is worthwhile. "Where else can you get the legislative representation that Farm Bureau offers?" he said.

Along with their trip to Hawaii, the Baumans received a year’s lease on a Kubota M-series tractor provided by Kubota, $500 from Dodge Trucks, $500 worth of Syngenta products courtesy of Syngenta, a chime clock and a one-year subscription to DTN FarmDayta Marketing Service courtesy of Farm Credit Services of Mid America.

Weber produces hay, corn, soybeans and wheat. The 30-year-old has been farming for 13 years and owns 50 percent of his family’s farm operation. He has been on the Franklin County Farm Bureau board since 1997 and is currently county president. He also has served as safety chairman and agricultural ecology chairman.

Weber said he appreciates Farm Bureau’s support of young farmers, and spoke of his own agricultural heritage. "My great grandfather, grandfather, dad and everyone down the line, we’re all farmers. I’m the one that can carry the torch, and I really hold that valuable in my heart, and it means a lot to me," he said.

In addition to the Hawaii trip, Weber receives $500 from Dodge Trucks, a chime clock and a one-year subscription to DTN FarmDayta Marketing Service courtesy of Farm Credit Services of Mid America.

The Helsingers farm 500 acres with Chris's father and grandfather raising soybeans, corn, wheat and hay. They also raise Polled Hereford cattle. Chris works for a local farmer who, in addition to farming 6,500 acres, owns the area grain elevator and supplies the chemicals, fertilizers and grain to area farmers. Chris is the head salesman for the operation. Sarah teaches chemistry and physics at a local rural high school, and helps on the family farm.

The Helsingers are proud of their family’s farming background. "I’m the fourth generation of our family to farm, and I just want to stick with it," Chris said. Sarah, who is expecting the couple’s first child, added: "The next generation of Helsingers will definitely be raised on the farm."

Along with their trip to Hawaii, the Helsingers also will receive $500 from Dodge Trucks and a $1,000 technology package sponsored by OFBF.

Other finalists recognized during the OFBF annual meeting were Outstanding Young Farm Couples Clark and Angela Emmons of Fulton County (Buckeye Region) and Darren and Angie Newcomer of Medina County (Pioneer Region); Young Farmer Ted Griffith of Hardin County (Buckeye Region); and Excellence in Agriculture finalists Barbara Jackson of Morrow County (Buckeye Region) and Jenifer Weaver of Mahoning County (Pioneer Region).