Nine farm couples and individuals will compete this month to become the winners of the 2023 Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmer Award. Organizers say a special awards weekend is being planned for Jan. 27-29 at the Holiday Inn Manitowoc, where the candidates will be interviewed, tested and evaluated by a panel of judges.
The public is invited to an awards banquet on Saturday night, starting with a social hour at 6:00 p.m. Past OYF participants will also have a reception the same evening to celebrate the 69th year of OYF in Wisconsin. And a 'Speak up for Agriculture' award winner will also be named.
This year's nominees include Bryan & Maria Beranek, Crivitz; Adam & Melissa Baumann, Marathon; Brady & Lynsey Broedlow, Helenville; Michael & Courtney Gutschenritter, Oconomowoc; Mark & Vanna Leichtfuss, Two Rivers; Travis & Melissa Marti, Vesper; Dustin Scholtz, Eau Claire; Brody & Carolyn Stapel, Cedar Grove; and Tristan & Megan Swartz, Gilman.
Winners are selected based on progress in their agricultural career, soil and water conservation and contributions to community, state and nation. As part of the recognition, the top couple will also be nominated to attend the February 2024 national OYF Awards Congress.
The Wisconsin OYF program was developed in 1954 to recognize the younger generation of successful agriculturists in the state. Farmers younger than 40 years of age who derive at least two-thirds of their income from farming are eligible to apply for the annual award.
For more information or to register for the event, call 715-833-9649 or go to: http://www.wi-oyf.org
Categories: Wisconsin, Business