$500 Cash Prizes For Three Farm Bureau YF&R Competitions

Contestants Being Sought

The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) Young Farmer and Rancher (YF&R) Committee is seeking contestants for the 2005 YF&R competitive events. The Discussion Meet, Achievement Award and Excellence in Agriculture Award all carry a $500 cash award and a trip to Nashville, Tenn. to compete in the national competition for a Dodge Truck.

The competitions are open to young agriculturalists between the ages of 18 and 35. For applications, detailed rules and additional prizes visit www.wyfb.org or call Kerin Clark at 877.693.3166 or e-mail kclark@wyfb.org.

Discussion Meet�Oct. 14 deadline

Participating in this competitive event is a great way to showcase your knowledge and talents and learn about the effective grassroots process that makes Farm Bureau so successful in its efforts to preserve the agriculture industry. Farm Bureau=s work is directed by the policy that is set forth by the members beginning at the county level. This competition is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each committee member.

The YF&R Discussion Meet will be held during the WyFB annual meeting Nov. 10-12 in Casper. The preliminary rounds will be held Nov. 10. The top four contestants will advance to the final round Nov. 12. Applications must be postmarked by Oct. 14, 2005.

Contest topics:

1. How does the public perception of American farmers and ranchers affect agriculture?

2. Do educational programs improve the public perception of agriculture?

3. Where will tomorrow�s agriculture work force come from?

4. What risk does agri-terrorism pose to national security?

Achievement Award�Sept. 9 deadline

The Achievement Award is designed to recognize those young farmers and ranchers that have excelled in their farming/ranching operations and honed their leadership abilities to superiority.

The contestants will be evaluated on a combination of the growth and financial progress of their agricultural operation, Farm Bureau leadership and leadership in their community. More specifically, the judges will be looking for excellence in management, growth and scope of the enterprise and self-initiative that has been displayed throughout the operation. The application deadline is Sept. 9, 2005.

Excellence in Agriculture Award�Sept. 9 deadline

The Excellence in Agriculture competition is an application process. Participants are judged on their involvement in agriculture, Farm Bureau and other leadership roles. The application includes essay questions such as: 1) What opportunities exist for you to have a positive impact on agriculture? and 2) List and explain three important issues agriculture needs to address in the next five years. The application deadline is Sept. 9, 2005.

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