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Jeff and Dena Wuebker of Versailles and Andrea Myers of Berlin Center will represent Ohio in AFBF competition next month as OFBF’s Outstanding Young Farmer and Excellence In Agriculture award winners. Their selection was announced during the annual meeting kick-off lunch.

Both awards are for individuals or couples age 35 or younger. The Young Farmer award recognizes achievements in the farming business and leadership in the agricultural community. The Excellence in Agriculture award recognizes participants 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 Wuebkers have been farming for nine years. They produce corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa, have a contract farrow to wean swine operation and feed Holstein calves. Jeff has been active in various Darke County Farm Bureau projects, the Ohio Association of Independent Crop Consultants and with other agricultural and community organizations. Dena’s community involvement includes FFA and 4-H and the Ohio Association of Agricultural Educators.

They receive an expense-paid trip to the AFBF annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn., a $1,000 purchase certificate at Grainger Industrial Supply courtesy of Farm Credit Services of Mid America, a year’s free lease on a Kubota M-series tractor courtesy of Kubota, $500 from Dodge Trucks and a commemorative chime clock from Ohio Farm Bureau.

Myers has held leadership positions in many agriculturally related organizations including the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, Alpha Zeta Partners, the county junior fair board, 4-H and Farm Safety 4 Just Kids. She served on the state Farm Bureau youth council and numerous county Farm Bureau committees including annual meeting, information, young farmers and youth. Myers recently joined Select Sires as a communications specialist. Previously she was a reporter/writer for Farm and Dairy newspaper.

She receives an expense paid trip to the American Farm Bureau annual meeting, a $1,000 technology package from OFBF, $500 from Dodge Trucks and a commemorative chime clock from OFBF.

Other contestants recognized during the OFBF meeting were Young Farmer finalists Matt Bell of Zanesville, Ty and Robin Callicoat of South Vienna and Christopher Weaver of Montpelier, and Excellence finalists Kimberly Badtke of Wauseon, John Buck of New Bloomington and Shane and Melody Meldick of Oak Hill.

Caption: Jeff and Dena Wuebker receive congratulations from OFBF President Bob Peterson and OFBF Executive Vice President Jack Fisher upon their selection as OFBF’s Outstanding Young Farmers.

Caption: Andrea Myers and OFBF President Bob Peterson celebrate Myers’ Excellence in Agriculture Award.