As part of Case IH’s commitment to help farmers embrace the everyday challenges and opportunities of agriculture and encourage involvement and leadership within the industry, we presented brand new Farmall tractors to four American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Young Farmer & Rancher 2011 Achievement Awards finalists.
The four finalists include:
- Steven and Richelle Bach, Mount Sterling, Ky.
- Matt and Kim DeBlock, Aledo, Ill.
- Brian Flowers, Lynnville, Tenn.
- Brent and Susan Leggett, Nashville, N.C.
These finalists, who were announced at the AFBF annual convention in Atlanta, Ga., were selected based on the demonstrated growth and financial success of their agricultural operations, as well as their Farm Bureau leadership and community involvement. They truly demonstrate the kind of leadership that farmers need to meet the daily challenges of an ever-evolving agriculture industry – the same challenges Case IH is committed to meeting – and we’re proud to sponsor them!
Steven and Richelle Bach – Mount Sterling, Ky.
The Bach’s diverse agricultural enterprise includes raising corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, peaches, apples, and asparagus, and providing custom planting and harvesting services. In addition, they also own a commercial cow/calf operation, a marketing enterprise, and a charter flying service.
“We’re excited to have won the Farmall tractor, and with our diverse farming enterprise, we will have a use for it on a daily basis” said Steven Bach.
Matt and Kim DeBlock – Aledo, Ill.
Matt is a fourth generation farmer who started his farming career before he graduated from the University of Illinois. Matt and Kim, along with their two daughters, Kaitlynn and Macy, farm 4,500 acres of corn, soybeans, and hay and raise 125 Angus cow/calf pairs in partnership with Matt’s dad and brother. In addition to the family farm, Matt runs a commodity brokerage business for local farmers and investors and recently started a commercial trucking business that hauls commodities for local elevators and retailers.
Brian Flowers – Lynnville, Tenn.
Brian developed a passion for dairy farming while growing up on his family’s dairy farm. In 1996, at the age of 20, he started his own dairy farm, where he currently milks 100 Holstein cows and raises 95 replacement heifers, along with his commercial herd of 56 beef cows. Besides raising cattle, Brian also farms 1,380 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay.
“The AFBF annual meeting is like the Super Bowl in that there are winners and runners-up. I’m thankful for Case IH’s support of AFBF and that they recognize Achievement Award finalists with such nice prizes as brand new Farmall tractors” said Brian Flowers.
Brent and Susan Leggett – Nashville, N.C.
Brent and Susan are first generation farmers who started their operation in 2005. They raise about 2,300 acres of tobacco, sweet potatoes, soybeans, pickling cucumbers, and cotton. They also started two you-pick strawberry stands and sell certified sweet potato seeds.
No offense but I thought it was suppose to be for young farmers.
Way to go Brent & Susan!!! Those Red tractors don’t break down much but i got your back ok? Congrats to you and your family!!
Thanks Greg!