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OFBF members performed well in three national young farmer competitions held during the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in Nashville.

Although none of Ohio's competitors took home the prize of a Dodge pickup truck, they did earn a spot in the "Sweet 16" round of the Discussion Meet and reached the top 10 in the Excellence in Agriculture and Outstanding Young Farmer competitions.

Advancing that far is not easy, according to Mike Fearon, who directs OFBF's young farmer programs.

"We're really excited for all of them. They represented us well," he said.

Jason Feldner of Caldwell spoke on topics including tomorrow's agricultural work force and bioterrorism during the Discussion Meet, which tests participants’ subject knowledge, problem solving abilities and personal and small group communications skills. Feldner farms with his grandfather and aunt, milking Jersey dairy cattle and producing forage. He is also a teacher at the local career center.

While discussing the public's perception of agriculture Feldner said it's up to farmers to shape the opinions of consumers.

"It starts with me in dismissing false information, forming trust and educating the consumer," he said.

Jeff and Dena Wuebker of Versailles reached the top 10 in the Outstanding Young Farmers competition. The award is based on their involvement in agriculture and participation in Farm Bureau and other community organizations. The Wuebkers produce corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa, have a contract farrow to wean swine operation and feed Holstein calves.

"You have nothing to lose and everything to gain from the experience," Jeff said.

Andrea Myers of Berlin Center earned a spot in the top 10 of the Excellence in Agriculture competition, which recognizes successful people 35 or younger who are involved in farming but whose primary occupation is not farming or owning an agricultural business.

Myers, who was previously a reporter for Farm and Dairy and now works for Select Sires as a communications specialist, said she was thrilled to reach the top 10.

"I couldn't have asked for anything better," she said. "Except maybe a Dodge truck."

Caption: From left, Young Farmer competitors Andrea Meyers, Jason Feldner and Dena and Jeff Wuebker.