WyFB News Release -- November 16, 2005

CONTACT: Kerin Clark, WyFB Media Director/YF&R Coordinator, 307-532-2002 or kclark@wyfb.org

AMI AND KERBY BARKER RECEIVEWYOMING FARM BUREAU YF&R AWARD

            CASPER  --Fuel and energy costs, beef export market and the need for water development were three important issues identified by the 2005 Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Excellence in Agriculture Award winners.  Kerby and Ami Barker, of Evanston, received their award at the organization�s annual meeting last week in Casper.  Barker�s stated that these three areas are important for agriculture to address in the next five years.

            This award is designed as an opportunity for young farmers & ranchers, while actively contributing and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture, to earn recognition.  Participants are judged on their involvement in agriculture, Farm Bureau, leadership ability and essay questions. 

          Kerby and Ami Barker are involved in numerous organizations ranging from church callings to county boards and state Farm Bureau positions.  The Bar NL Ranch sustains a cow-calf operation, stocker operation, trucking operation and various recreational options (such as trail rides, hay rides, corporate retreats, working ranch experiences, and guided hunts).  Agriculture provides the Barkers the opportunity to enjoy a western family lifestyle where they can raise and teach their children work ethics, family values and morals hand-in-hand.

            The Barker�s leadership resume is very strong.  They have been active at the county level where Kerby serves as the president of the Uinta County Farm Bureau.  They both also serve on the state YF&R Committee and have held numerous other leadership roles.

            Kerby is the fourth generation to live and operate the family ranch in southwestern Wyoming and mountain land in Utah.  They are the proud parents of Chandler, 7; Bailey, 4; and three foster children:  Karen, 11; Jennifer, 8 and Isaac, 1.           

            For their achievement, the Barker�s won a $500 cash prize from Dodge, a �Farm Boss� chain saw from Intermountain Stihl, and a trip to Nashville, Tenn. in January to compete in the national competition for a Dodge Truck.

            The YF&R Competitive Events are held each year at the state annual meeting.  For more information, contact Kerin Clark, WyFB YF&R Coordinator, at 877.693.3166,kclark@wyfb.org or visitwww.wyfb.org.

            �The Wyoming Farm Bureau is proud to recognize the achievements of this outstanding couple,� WyFB President Perry Livingston said.  �We appreciate their dedication and hard work for the agriculture industry and Farm Bureau.  We know they will represent us well at the national competition.�

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