Troutmans named OFBF’s Outstanding Young Farm CouplePublished on 11/30/2007Caption: (L to R) OFBF President, Bob Peterson; Andy and Deanna Troutman and OFBF Executive Vice President, Jack Fisher. For Immediate Release COLUMBUS, Ohio (OFBF) – Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) has named Andy and Deanna Troutman of Wooster as its 2007 Outstanding Young Farm Couple. They will represent Ohio in the national contest during the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in New Orleans in January. The award recognizes individuals or couples age 35 or younger for their accomplishments in their farming operations and their leadership in the agricultural community. The Troutmans own and operate a vineyard in Wayne County, complete with two retail sites and a wholesale operation to market their wine. Their goals include installing a goat milk processing facility, an aggressive introduction of new products and a long-term goal of a restaurant specializing in locally produced and processed food. Both have served as Farm Tour Committee members for Wayne County Farm Bureau and Andy is active in the membership campaign. They are also active in Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce and Ohio grape and wine industry organizations. The Troutmans have two children, Sophia, 5, and Asa, 2. The couple was named the winner during OFBF’s 89th annual meeting Nov. 28 to 30 in Columbus. “It’s a tremendous honor to receive this award,” said Andy Troutman. “It’s amazing how far we’ve come. I look forward to the opportunity to talk to other farmers about their experiences.” The Troutmans received 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 $250 product voucher to any NAPA store courtesy of Valvoline. They also receive a commemorative chime clock from Ohio Farm Bureau. . CONTACT: Joe Cornely | |
