STIHL celebrated agriculture
excellence, innovation and advancement at the American
Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) 2015 Young Farmers and
Ranchers (YF&R) awards.
Farmers and ranchers from
across the country competed for the honors at the AFB national convention in San Diego, CA. STIHL Inc. sponsored the Achievement Award,
Discussion Meet, and Excellence in Agriculture competitions, open to farmers
and ranchers between the ages of 18-35. STIHL presented each runner up award recipient $3,000
in cash and STIHL merchandise.
Roger Phelps, promotional communications manager for STIHL Inc., addressed the 8,000 conference attendees, praising the young farmers and ranchers for their contribution to American agriculture, and and STIHL's shared valued of tradition and innovation.
Achievement Award
Chris and Rebekah Pierce of
Kentucky walked away with this year’s prize as well as a 2015 truck provided by
GM, for demonstrating first-class leadership and excellence in farming and
ranching operations. Growth, financial progress, and leadership both within and
outside of the AFBF served as the criteria for evaluation and selection of
winners. Runners-up included Ben and Amy Gittins of Idaho, Matt and Jenna
Kilgus of Illinois, and Marky and Cindy Klepper of Tennessee. 
Discussion Meet
Sean Arians of Illinois took
the top honor at the Discussion Meet and will receive a 2015 truck from GM for
showcasing superior ability to exchange ideas and information. Megan Hansen of
Iowa, Doug Giles of Tennessee, and Jeremy Barron of Indiana were the category’s
runners-up.
Excellence in Agriculture Award
Paul and Ruth Lanoue won the
Excellence in Agriculture Award as well as a 2015 truck provided by GM, recognized
for their active leadership in AFBF and other agriculture organizations. Jessica Jones of Virginia, Michael and Amy Shirley of
Tennessee, and Phillip and Alison Honea of South Carolina were selected as
runners-up.
STIHL salutes these industry
leaders!
For more information on the American Farm Bureau visit http://www.fb.org/