Hello, passing along this press release which solicits nominations for
the Outstanding Young Farmer competition (I like the idea of this
competition because they would still consider me to be young!! :-) ). By
the looks, there is a state competition and winners go into a national
round. I took a quick peak at recipients of the award and their 50 year
history, only 2 Vermonters were award winners (and it looks like only 2
women were ever selected).
So if you know of folks that would be eligible and interested, forward
the info along. thanks, Deb

-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Press Release re OYF
Date:   Fri, 24 Jun 2005 13:55:46 -0400
From:   Julie Smith <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-To:       Julie Smith <[log in to unmask]>
To:     [log in to unmask]




*Are you an outstanding young farmer?
*
Don't be shy!  It's time to toot your own horn.  If you can buy alcohol
legally, but won't turn 40 before January 1, 2006, and you derive
two-thirds of your income from a farming operation, you are eligible to
enter the Outstanding Young Farmer competition.  The OYF program is
celebrating its 50th year by hosting the OYF Awards Congress next
February in Moline, IL, headquarters of the program's largest and
longest-term sponsor, Deere & Company.

The purpose of the OYF program is to foster better urban-rural relations
through the understanding of the farmers' problems, to develop an
appreciation of their contributions and achievements, and to inform the
agribusiness community of the growing urban awareness of farmers'
importance and impact on the American economy.  Winners are selected
based on their progress in their agricultural careers, extent of soil
and water conservation practices, and contributions to the well-being of
their community, state, and nation.

Nomination forms for the OYF program must be submitted by September 1,
2005.  Completed forms are judged by a panel of extension specialists,
farmers, and agribusiness professionals.  The state winner goes on to
enter the national competition from which 25 finalists will be selected
to receive an all-expense paid trip with their spouses to the OYF
Congress February 8-12, 2006.  Four national winners will receive a cash
prize.  The awards congress is held in a different location each year.

For 50 years, the United State Junior Chamber (the Jaycees) has
administered the OYF program nationally.  The program is supported by
past winners and the National Association of County Agricultural
Agents.  In Vermont, the competition is sponsored by the University of
Vermont Extension and extension specialists are available to assist with
the application process.  If you would like to enter or know a farmer
who you think should enter the competition, please contact Julie Smith
at 802-656-4496 or Glenn Rogers at 800-639-2130.

More information and nomination forms are available on-line at
http://www.usjaycees.org/projects_oyf.htm or through University of
Vermont Extension offices across the state.  For a print version or
electronic fill-in (pdf) form, contact Bonnie Tucker at
[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> or 802-656-2070.
Financial information is not required for the state competition.
Completed nomination forms should be mailed to the state OYF chair,
Julie Smith, UVM Extension Dairy Specialist, 570 Main St., 113 Terrill
Hall, Burlington, VT 05405, by September 1, 2005.