AFBF Discussion Meet Winners Receive Farmalls

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Young Farmers & Ranchers program recently held their annual convention in San Antonio, Texas, where they announced the Discussion Meet winners. Each of the competition’s runners-up received a Case IH Farmall® 55A.

The Discussion Meet winners are chosen based on their knowledge of a wide range of agricultural-related topics, their ability to lead a discussion and how well they work with others.

Congratulations to this year’s runners-up!

Caleb May, Pawnee, Ill.

Although Caleb May does not farm now, he remains very involved with agriculture. May grew up on a grain and livestock farm and currently works in agribusiness. He and his wife, Kimberly, live on a small acreage near Pawnee, Ill.

The Mays serve as their county’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program representatives. Caleb says that he enjoys Farm Bureau because it supports all types of agriculture and farmers. He also mentioned that the YF&R program is one of the few organizations that young people can be involved with.

The couple plans to use the new Farmall for mowing, raking hay and other utility projects around their acreage.

Chris Pollack, Ripon, Wis.

Above, Zach Hetterick, Case IH Livestock Marketing Manager, is pictured with Chris Pollack of Ripon, Wis.

Chris Pollack, of Ripon, Wis., currently operates his family’s farm alongside his parents. They milk about 150 cows, farm 650 acres and have heifer and calf facilities.

Pollack first got involved with Farm Bureau when he was 21 years old. He is currently his county’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program chair and is part of Volunteers for Agriculture, which is Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s political action committee. He likes Farm Bureau because it is a great way for farmers to make their voices heard about political issues at the state and national levels. He also enjoys the social and networking aspects of the organization.

Pollack’s farm has always been a “red” one, and he is excited to add another piece of Case IH equipment to his operation. He plans to use the tractor for hauling wagons and raking hay.

Shelby Watson, Waldorf, Md.

Above, Zach Hetterick, Case IH Livestock Marketing Manager, is pictured with Shelby Watson of Waldorf, Md.

Shelby Watson is excited to keep her fourth-generation family farm running. She and her family are transitioning the Robin Hill Farm to a vineyard, complete with a refurbished barn for events and a winery.

Watson has been very involved with Farm Bureau. Her first activity was in 2004 when she was the first runner-up for Miss Maryland Agriculture. She has revitalized the Young Farmers & Ranchers program for her county, served as the county vice president and participated in many banquets, picnics, silent auctions and state conferences.

This tractor will be instrumental for the farm’s transition, as it will be the primary piece of production equipment. Watson is very thankful for this prize and knows that it is just what she needed to get the new operation off to a great start.