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Matt Vodraska of Doylestown has been named the winner of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s 2019 Outstanding Young Farmer Award. The contest is designed to help young farmers strengthen their business skills, develop marketing opportunities and receive recognition for their accomplishments. Contestants are judged on the growth of their farm businesses and involvement in Farm Bureau and their community.
Vodraska won 250 hours free use of an M-series tractor provided by Kubota, $1,000 in Grainger merchandise sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America and an expense-paid trip to the 2020 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Austin, Texas, in January where he will participate in the national competition.
Vodraska farms with his parents and brother on a diversified specialty fruit operation. He serves as president of the Wayne County Farm Bureau, has helped to shape public policy at the county and state levels and was a member of the inaugural AgriPOWER class in 2009. He also has been active in local and state activities with the Ohio Grape Association, Midwest Apple Improvement Association and Ohio Produce Growers & Marketers Association.
The Outstanding Young Farmer contest is a part of the Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professionals program. Program participants are ages 18 to 35, single or married, who are interested in improving the business of agriculture, learning new ideas and developing leadership skills.
Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.
To learn more about Ohio Farm Bureau and its Young Ag Professionals program, visit experienceyap.com.
This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ty Higgins, 614-246-8231 or Joe Cornely, 614-246-8230.
Editors: A high-resolution photo of Mr. Vodraska is available to accompany this story.
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
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