Each year, Hillsdale County Farm Bureau honors local producers for their achievements and contributions to local agriculture. The county Young Farmer awards focus on those ages 18 to 35.
The Young Farmer awards are announced at the county annual, which was held on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at The Dawn Theatre in Hillsdale.
Each recipient will receive their first year of membership paid by the county, first opportunity to attend the Young Farmer Leaders Conference and a $25.00 gift certificate to and donated by Powers Clothing.
Director Ethan Bognar announced this year’s Young Farmer award recipients.
Each of the award recipients will receive a $25.00 gift certificate donated by Powers Clothing, their first year of membership dues waived, and first selection to attend the Young Farmer Leadership Conference in February 2024.
The Young Farmer Employee Award recognizes farm employees and agriculture professionals for their contributions to the success and long-term profitability of their workplace including their leadership involvement in Farm Bureau, agriculture, and the local community. This individual was selected for this award because of his initiative to work and learn.
This year’s Young Farmer Employee Award goes to Owen Snyder.
Owen is the son of Pastor Bob and Jinna Snyder, raised in a rural community that exposed him to a variety of farm activities. As a youngster, Owen took notice of the farm activities happening around him. As he grew, so did his interest in farming. Owen’s interests prompted him to explore different jobs.
It was not until early high school that he got involved in agriculture from summer employment opportunities as a farmhand on an organic produce farm. That work expanded into working on dairy farms, traveling out of state with friends and family and then back to a local dairy farm. Owen graduated high school in 2016, and in 2018 pursued education in Agricultural Systems Management at the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. It was at that time that a summer intern program opened the opportunity to work for Welden Farms. He finished school in the spring of 2019 and began working full-time at Welden Farms primarily as an equipment operator. This fall of 2023 marks Owen’s 5th consecutive harvest season with the Welden’s. During the last 5 years, Owen has operated all the equipment on Welden Farms. Whether the task is to build, fix, repair or operate and run equipment, Owen has and can perform a variety of farm tasks and do it at a high level. He has earned his commercial applicators license and “F” Farm endorsement.
When I think of Owen, initiative is one of the many strengths that comes to mind. He is eager to learn and willing to try new things. Owen is an independent thinker, problem solver, works well with others and is a joy to work and farm with. Owen represents himself, his family, the farm, and community well. Owen is married to Emily, and they have a 15-month-old daughter.
The Young Agriculture Leader Award honors successful young agriculturalists, for their outstanding leadership in Farm Bureau, farming and throughout the agricultural community. This individual was selected for this award because of the deduction she has to the agricultural community and teaching others about agriculture.
This year’s Young Agriculture Leader Award goes to Jessica Smith.
Jessie grew up in 4-H and Waldron FFA but after graduating, she went to college for softball at Jackson College. One day, the athletic director asked, what do you want to be when you grow up? Her response was, I don’t know, I just want to milk cows! It was suggested to her to be an EMT so that is the path she pursued.
She still had a love for agriculture and continued her ag-journey milking dairy cows until she sold them in 2012. She began raising myotonic goats in 2010 and dairy goats in 2014. She and her husband Ryan own and operate R and J Farms, a dairy goat/feeder operation, in Ransom Township along with milking cows. They have two small children who really love the farm and the oldest helps as much as she can.
You may also know Jessie from her food preservation skills. Any given day she is in her basement canning produce to feed their family. She also very graciously shares that expertise with others by demonstrating her canning techniques. You may also find her volunteering for MSU extension’s 4-H program as a club leader, superintendent and wherever she is needed. She is a natural educator which led her to joining the county farm bureau at Project RED, rural education day, to educate 4th graders about various part of agriculture. She wears many hats and wears them well!
The Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award is designed to recognize young farmers for their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau. This individual was selected for this award because of his willingness to step into roles and activities within farm bureau asked!
This year’s Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award goes to Jesse Rice.
Jesse was raised on his family’s corn and soybean farm near Litchfield and was active in FFA at Jonesville High School. From there he attended Michigan State University, earning his degree in Crop and Soil Science. He then went on to work for Gary Cooper Trucking in Quincy, where he was responsible for spreading fertilizer and lime. Today he works for the Road Commission as a truck driver while still farming on the family farm.
Jesse joined the county board as a director representing Allen, Litchfield, and Scipio townships. He participated in various committees and then was appointed as co-chair of the young farmer committee in 2021 bringing young farmers to local events such as Nutrient Management Field Day, Young Farmer Leaders Conference, and a bonfire with education on estate planning. It has been a pleasure watching him grow, learn, and get involved in various ag-related activities.
Ethan thanked each of the recipients for their contributions to agriculture.
Young Farmers ages 18-35 can also apply for the State Level Young Farmer Awards, typically due around the beginning of March each year.
Visit our website www.michfb.com/hillsdale and Facebook page for upcoming young farmer programs.