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Texas Agriculture Archive

January 17, 2003

Burns wins two contests

DeWayne Burns of Cleburne edged out three other articulate young agricultural producers to win Texas Farm Bureau's Discussion Meet competition at the organization's 69th annual state convention.

Burns, a Johnson County cattleman, was also named winner of the state's largest farm organization's Excellence in Agriculture Award.

In exploring ways to ensure a secure food supply and maintain a sound ag economy as a part of a national security and defense strategy, Burns suggested decreased dependence on imports as a means of : 1) controlling the threat of agroterrorism; 2) protecting the economy and balance of trade; and 3) reducing the possible entry of pests and diseases.

The Discussion Meet Contest is not a debate, but rather an exchange of ideas and opinions and an opportunity for contestants to develop presentation and collective problem-solving skills.

All participants received a $100 gift certificate to Grainger Industrial Supply. Additionally, as the state winner, Burns received one year's use of a Kubota M Series tractor (45-65 h.p.) with a front-end loader (2 wheel or front wheel assist), courtesy of Kubota; an Arctic Cat 500 4x4, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; a $500 cash award from Dodge; a $300 gift certificate to Grainger Industrial Supply, courtesy of Grainger; a plaque representative of the award; and an expense-paid trip to Tampa, Fla. in January, 2003 to compete in the national contest, to be held during the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual meeting.

Other finalists making up the panel engaged in the 25-minute round-table discussion were: Troy Nedbalek of Mathis, a San Patricio County cotton and feedgrains producer; Darren Turley, an Erath County dairyman from Dublin; and Teresa Monk of Sherman, a Grayson County hay, small grains and cattle producer. These outstanding finalists each received a $200 gift certificate and plaque representative of award, courtesy of Grainger Industrial Supply.