Colby Couple Nominated for 2022 Outstanding Young Farmer Award

Friday, December 17th, 2021 -- 10:01 AM

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) Six farm couples will compete next month to become the winners of the 2022 Outstanding Young Farmer Award.

According to the Wisconsin Ag Connection, organizers say a special awards weekend is being planned for January 21-23 at the Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort in Neenah, where the candidates will be interviewed, tested and evaluated by a panel of judges.

The public is invited to an awards banquet on Saturday night, starting with a social hour at 6:00 p.m. Past OYF participants will also have a reception the same evening to celebrate the 69th year of OYF in Wisconsin. And a 'Speak up for Agriculture' award winner will be named.

A local couple, Mike & Gina Redetzke of Colby were nominated. Other nominees include Keith & Stephanie Abts, New Franken; Bryanna & Dylan Handel, Barneveld; Matt & Sara Hintz, Amherst; Ryan & Megan Prellwitz, Ripon; and Kyle & Rachel Zwieg, Ixonia.

Winners are selected based on progress in their agricultural career, soil and water conservation and contributions to community, state and nation. As part of the recognition, the top couple will also be nominated to attend the February 2023 national OYF Awards Congress, which will be held in Appleton that year.

The Wisconsin OYF program was developed in 1954 to recognize the younger generation of successful agriculturists in the state. Farmers younger than 40 years of age who derive at least two-thirds of their income from farming are eligible to apply for the annual award.

For more information or to register for the event, call 715-833-9649 or go to: http://www.wi-oyf.org

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.