VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - STIHL continues its work to promote excellence, innovation and advancement in the agriculture industry, with its six-year sponsorship of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture competitions.
Announced at the AFBF 90th annual meeting, the awards recognized farmers age 18-35 who demonstrated knowledge of and achievement in agriculture, and commitment to promoting the agriculture industry. STIHL presented the three runners-up in each competition with an MS 290 STIHL FARM BOSS® chain saw and a $6,000 U.S. savings bond. STIHL, a Gold level sponsor of the Annual Meeting, also donated several pieces of equipment to the AFB Foundation Silent Auction to help raise funds to build agricultural awareness and understanding through education.
“We at STIHL feel that the sponsorship is a natural fit with our commitment to embracing new ideas and new technology while staying true to the traditions that have made us successful,” said Roger Phelps, promotional communications manager with STIHL Inc. and one of five judges for the Final 4 in the Discussion Meet competition. “We believe the winners of the AFBF’s awards for the Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet, and the Excellence in Agriculture competitions exemplify those values.”
These awards recognize the future leaders of the agriculture community,” said Townsend Kyser, chairman of the Young Farmer and Rancher Committee. “STIHL’s sponsorship means that this next generation of agriculture professionals has the support of a respected industry innovator behind them.”
"The award categories are judged as follows:
- Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting and in which competitors are evaluated on their ability to exchange ideas and information on a predetermined topic
- Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation, but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability, and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations
Results of the competitions are:
Discussion Meet:
- Winners: James G. Williams of Idaho
STIHL Inc. manufactures the world's largest selling brand of chain saws and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through independent servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast – not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States only. For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the dealer locator on STIHL's Web site at www.stihlusa.com.
STIHL is also pleased to support the National FFA, Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund) and the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD).
