Award-winning Tennessee Young Farmers Receive Tractors at Legislative Plaza

Case IH presented three farm families their tractors at the Legislative Plaza for being named runners-up at the American Farm Bureau Convention. The presentation took place in front of the State Capitol on Monday, March 23 in conjunction with Ag Day on the Hill festivities.

The Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers took home honors in each of the three contests held at the national level of the American Farm Bureau Convention – the Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture and Discussion Meet. 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

Mark and Cindy Klepper of Greene County were named runners-up in the Achievement Contest, which recognizes young farmers who have excelled in their farming operations and exhibited superior leadership abilities. Participants are evaluated on a combination of their agricultural operation’s growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership and leadership outside of Farm Bureau. The Kleppers farm 1700 acres of corn, soybeans and hay; raise nearly 100 cows and more than 920,000 chickens for Koch Foods. They received a Case IH Farmall 65A tractor.

Michael and Amy Shirley of Rutherford County were named runners-up in the Excellence in Agriculture Contest, which recognizes young farmers who do not derive the majority of their income from a farm, but actively contribute and grow through involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations. The Shirleys, in addition to their farm, both have off-the-farm jobs ““ Michael as an Extension agent in the county and Amy as a small-animal veterinarian. They received a Case IH Farmall 45A tractor.

Doug Giles of Williamson County was named runner-up in the Discussion Meet, which simulates a committee meeting in which active discussion and participation are expected. Participants are evaluated on their ability to exchange ideas and information on a topic. Giles made it all the way to the final four after three rounds of competition and was announced as a runner-up on stage. He received a Case IH 55A tractor.

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For more information, please contact Melissa Bratton, editor Tennessee Farm Bureau News. mbratton@tfbf.com