Young farmers and ranchers from Utah recognized at 2021 American Farm Bureau virtual convention
Published
2/22/2021
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 at the American Farm Bureau Virtual Convention.
The winners of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture competitions were recently announced. While not taking home the top prize, Utah’s competitors proved they belong among our nation’s best.
Casey and Kelli Snider of Cache County were the runners-up in the Excellence in Agriculture contest. For their 2nd place finish, they will receive a Case IH Farmall 50A tractor, courtesy of Case IH.
“We are just incredibly excited and humbled by this. To win on the state level alone was such a huge honor for us, and then go to on and be able to represent Utah on the national stage was exciting and humbling. This award is incredibly meaningful to our family, but this is also a great encouragement to keep giving our farm and our community our all. We are also fully aware of how awesome our competition was on both levels, and our fellow competitors deserve a shout out. We are so grateful for the opportunity and for our Utah Farm Bureau family who made this possible for us.”
The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation, but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.
Scott and Krista Dalton of Piute County were recognized in the ‘Top 10’ of the ‘Achievement Award’ at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s virtual national convention.
The contestants are evaluated on a combination of their farming operation growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership, and leadership outside of Farm Bureau. More specifically, the judges look for excellence in management, growth and scope of the enterprise, and self-initiative that are displayed throughout the operation.
“We love the opportunities we have to engage with those not familiar with agriculture and share with them the many lessons we’ve learned on the farm,” said Scott Dalton. “We were happy to have represented Utah at the most recent convention.”
Despite not winning the truck from the Ford Motor Company – which comes with winning the national award – the Daltons still have their 2021 John Deere Gator ATV, courtesy of Cache Valley Bank and Stotz Equipment, which they received for winning the state competition back in November.
Whitt Sorensen of Millard County advanced to the Sweet 16 Round of the National Discussion Meet. This competitive event simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.
In addition to the work on their own sheep herd in Millard County, Whitt works in sales for IFA, consulting with farmers on crop nutrient plans, as well as their chemical and seed needs.
The winners of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture competitions were recently announced. While not taking home the top prize, Utah’s competitors proved they belong among our nation’s best.
Excellence in Agriculture Award
Casey and Kelli Snider of Cache County were the runners-up in the Excellence in Agriculture contest. For their 2nd place finish, they will receive a Case IH Farmall 50A tractor, courtesy of Case IH.“We are just incredibly excited and humbled by this. To win on the state level alone was such a huge honor for us, and then go to on and be able to represent Utah on the national stage was exciting and humbling. This award is incredibly meaningful to our family, but this is also a great encouragement to keep giving our farm and our community our all. We are also fully aware of how awesome our competition was on both levels, and our fellow competitors deserve a shout out. We are so grateful for the opportunity and for our Utah Farm Bureau family who made this possible for us.”
The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation, but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.
Achievement Award
Scott and Krista Dalton of Piute County were recognized in the ‘Top 10’ of the ‘Achievement Award’ at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s virtual national convention.
The contestants are evaluated on a combination of their farming operation growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership, and leadership outside of Farm Bureau. More specifically, the judges look for excellence in management, growth and scope of the enterprise, and self-initiative that are displayed throughout the operation.
“We love the opportunities we have to engage with those not familiar with agriculture and share with them the many lessons we’ve learned on the farm,” said Scott Dalton. “We were happy to have represented Utah at the most recent convention.”
Despite not winning the truck from the Ford Motor Company – which comes with winning the national award – the Daltons still have their 2021 John Deere Gator ATV, courtesy of Cache Valley Bank and Stotz Equipment, which they received for winning the state competition back in November.
Discussion Meet Award
Whitt Sorensen of Millard County advanced to the Sweet 16 Round of the National Discussion Meet. This competitive event simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.
In addition to the work on their own sheep herd in Millard County, Whitt works in sales for IFA, consulting with farmers on crop nutrient plans, as well as their chemical and seed needs.
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