Outstanding SC Young Farmers and Ranchers Recognized Virtually

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South Carolina Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers were recognized virtually for their outstanding achievements in 2020 on March 4, 2021. Their conference, usually scheduled for January each year, was canceled due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Awards were presented to members who continued to go above and beyond to advance the mission of Farm Bureau even during these unprecedented times. The awards program featured a welcome from SCFB President Harry Ott and announced the winners of the Excellence in Agriculture Award and the Achievement Award.

“The Young Farmers and Ranchers program is to be commended for it’s continued success during the pandemic,” said SCFB President Harry Ott. “Members have remained engaged and these award winners are truly outstanding in their field.”

Chris Stevens, chair of the State Y&R Committee, recognized the difficulties this year has presented, but encouraged members to continue to be involved in Farm Bureau. Other members of the state committee are: Clay and Emily Alexander (Piedmont District); Justin and Kessler Ballew (Central District); Chris and Cassie LeMaster (Piedmont District); Caleb and Kate Miller (Pee Dee District); Joe Oswald (Coastal District); Kara and Trent Pendarvis (Coastal District); Chris and Alisha Stevens (Pee Dee District); and Adrian and Brooke Wilkes (Central District).

Kara Pendarvis of Dorchester, won the 2021 Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award. The competition consists of a written application and an oral presentation in front of a panel of judges. Pendarvis won $500 cash and $7,000 towards the purchase of a new ATV compliments of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. She will have the opportunity to represent South Carolina Farm Bureau at the 2022 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Atlanta, GA.  

The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an owned agricultural operation, but who actively contribute to agriculture and Farm Bureau. Award prizes are compliments of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, and South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation.

Justin and Maggie Ables, of Oconee County, won the 2021 Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award. The Ables were awarded $1,000 compliments of the Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, a new Ford truck and have the opportunity to represent South Carolina Farm Bureau at the 2021 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Atlanta, GA.  

The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who derive the majority of their income from an owned agricultural operation and have excelled in their farming or ranching operations while exhibiting superior leadership abilities. Participants are evaluated on a combination of their agricultural operation’s growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership and leadership outside of Farm Bureau. Award prizes are compliments of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation and Ford.

Click here to watch the full awards program.

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