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Texas Agriculture Archive

November 18, 2005

Excellence in Ag finalists named

Three impressive finalists have emerged to compete for the 2005 Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award—July Danley of Stephenville, Will and Becky Coward of Gatesville, and Charlie and Holly Rand of Tyler.

The Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award is designed to recognize young farmers and ranchers who do not currently own their own operation, but are actively contributing and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture.

"Participants are judged on their involvement in agriculture or agribusiness. Leadership ability, involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations—civic, service and community—are also a major factor considered in judging," said Si Cook, Texas Farm Bureau Organization Programs director.

To be eligible, the applicant:

1) Must be a member of Texas Farm Bureau in good standing;

2) Can be either an individual or married couple.

3) Shall not have reached their 36th birthday before Jan. 1, 2005; and

4) May not derive their primary source of income from being an owner/operator of an agricultural operation.

Past or present members of the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer & Rancher Committee and Farm Bureau employees or service agents are not eligible to compete.

"Also, individuals may compete in either the Outstanding Young Farmer and Rancher Contest, or Excellence in Agriculture Award, but not both," Cook said.

The state winner will receive one year's use of a 2006 3/4-ton Dodge 4X4 Quad Cab pickup and $500 cash, courtesy of Dodge; and an expense paid trip to Nashville, Tenn., to compete in the national contest.

The two runners-up will each receive a new pair of Justin Boots, courtesy of Justin Brands, Inc.; and a $200 gift certificate to Grainger Industrial Supply, courtesy of Grainger.

All three finalists will have their expenses paid to attend Texas Farm Bureau's Annual meeting in Waco, Dec. 3-5.

Also, each participant in the contest will receive a $50 gift certificate for any Am-Pac product, courtesy of Am-Pac.