WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - April 19, 2012 - Beginning and young farmers face many challenges as they start their farms and work to expand their operations; from rising costs of land and feed to changing regulations and rules. But many are excelling at their careers in agriculture and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) honors the top young farmers in the state at the organization`s annual meeting each December.
IFBF encourages young farmers, ages 18-35, to apply for the Young Farmer Achievement Award, which recognizes successful young farmers who excel in managing their farms and demonstrate outstanding leadership in their industries and communities. The Achievement Award is sponsored by John Deere. Applications for the award must be submitted to the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation by May 11.
The winner receives a year`s lease for a John Deere Tractor/loader combo or a TX Gator, John Deere Financial certificate, video, plaque and trips to the annual meetings of the American Farm Bureau Federation, GROWMARK and the IFBF Young Farmer group. All applicants receive up to three hours of farm financial planning assistance.
"Being recognized with this award was so gratifying for my wife and me," explained Justin Dammann, a Page County farmer and 2011 award winner. "I knew that we were on the right track with our management, environmental practices and balancing work and family. Farm Bureau has been an important part of our professional development and we wanted to strive for this recognition."
Applications can be downloaded at www.iowafarmbureau.com in the Young Farmer section. All applications are confidential.
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About Iowa Farm Bureau
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa. More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity. For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at www.iowafarmbureau.com.
