Young farmers and ranchers awarded

ATLANTA — Winners of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture competitions were announced recently at the American Farm Bureau Federation‘s 92nd Annual Meeting.

Young farmers and ranchers from around the country competed for the awards by demonstrating knowledge of and achievement in agriculture, as well as commitment to promoting the agriculture industry.

Paul and Monica Minzenmayer of Texas won the achievement award. They are the winners of a 2011 Dodge Ram pickup truck, courtesy of Dodge Ram. The Minzenmayers also received paid registration to attend the 2011 AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference, Feb. 5-7, in Orlando, Fla.

Runners up

Runners-up in the achievement award contest include Matt DeBlock of Illinois, Steven and Richelle Bach of Kentucky, Brent and Susan Leggett of North Carolina and Brian Flowers of Tennessee. The runners-up each received a Case IH Farmall tractor, courtesy of Case IH.

Colin Johnson of Iowa won the discussion meet. He will take home a 2011 Dodge Ram pickup, courtesy of Dodge, plus free registration to the 2011 AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference in February.

The three runners-up in the discussion meet are Daniel Martin of Mississippi, Charlee Doom of New York and Loni H. Rikard of South Carolina. Each runner-up received a $6,000 savings bond and a STIHL Farm Boss chainsaw, both courtesy of STIHL.

Chris and Jennie Simms of Virginia won the excellence in agriculture award. They received a 2011 Dodge Ram pickup, courtesy of Dodge, and free registration to the YF&R Leadership Conference.

The three runners-up in the Excellence in Agriculture competition are Brian and Dacia Brown of Illinois, Ken and Malissa Schentzel of Minnesota and Shawn and Vanessa Duren of Tennessee. Ohio’s representative, Jenifer Weaver from Mahoning County, was one of the top 10 finalists.