Chris and Jennie Simms of Virginia were honored by the American Farm Bureau Federation with the Excellence in Agriculture Award at the organization's Annual Meeting Jan. 10-12 in Atlanta.
Farm Bureau notes young farmers and ranchers from around the country vied for the organization's prestigious awards by demonstrating knowledge and achievement in agriculture, as well as commitment to promoting the agriculture industry.
The Excellence in Agriculture Award, in particular, goes to young farmers and ranchers who do not make the majority of their income from an agricultural operation but "who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations."
The Simms received a 2011 Dodge Ram pickup for their efforts, courtesy of Dodge. They also received free registration to the Farm Bureau's Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference, Feb 5-7 in Orlando Florida.
Brent and Susan Leggett of Nash County, N.C. were runners up in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award competition and received a Case IH Farmall tractor, courtesy of Case IH for their efforts. Paul and Monica Minzenmayer of Texas took the top awards in the Achievement Award contest, taking home a Dodge Ram pickup truck, courtesy of Dodge Ram, as well as paid registration to attend the 2011 AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference.
The Achievement Award recognizes farming excellence and superior leadership.
Loni H. Rikard of South Carolina was a runner up in the Farm Bureau's Discussion Meet. The winner in this competition was Colin Johnson of Iowa, who took home a new pickup truck from Dodge and free registration at the AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference. For his runner-up placing, Rikard picked up a $6,000 Savings Bond and a STIHL Farm Boss chainsaw, both courtesy of STIHL. Daniel Martin of Mississippi and Charlee Doom of New York were also runners up.