A strong group of 14 young farmers will participate in the 60th Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmer Awards Weekend Jan. 18-20 in Shawano County at the Menominee Casino Resort. The candidates are:
• Brian and Nicole Barlass of Janesville
• Matt and Tracy Brandel of Lake Mills
• Doug and Allison Custer of Elk Mound
• Hickory and Erin Daniels of Juda
• Matt and Tabitha Hartwig of Athens
• John and Deb Ihm of Lancaster
• David and Stacy Jauquet of Luxemburg
• Rolf and Marieke Penterman of Thorp
• Marty and Lisa Pertzborn of Reedsburg
• Cory and Brook Stenjem of Cambridge
• Nicholas and Danae Stieglitz of Greenwood
• Kurt and Diana Strassburg of Bowler
• Mark and Rachel Turgasen of Richland Center
• Erich and Mia Wollin of Johnson Creek
The OYF candidates are sponsored to the state event by local Jaycee chapters or other agricultural groups;  sponsors can still contribute to the overall event or a specific candidate. The public is invited to attend the Saturday banquet. For tickets, contact Harold or Cindy Matton at 715-833-9649.
The Awards Weekend in Shawano County allows the candidates to network on farm and family issues at the two-day event and they will participate in a "Speak up for Ag" workshop. The group will also tour Wisconsin Film and Bag, Shawano; Green Valley Dairy; Adam and Rebecca Kuczer Farm;  Nutrition Service Company, Pulaski; and Doc's Harley Davidson and Timeline Saloon.   Â
The 2013 state OYF winner will be named Saturday evening at the finale banquet.Â
The 2012 state winners, Adam and Rebecca Kuczer of Pulaski, and 2012 state first runners-up, Brian and Stephanie Perkins of Richland Center, were just named to the top 10 finalists. Both couples will attend national OYF Awards Congress Feb. 7-10, in Albuquerque, N.M. The 2011 state winners, Brian and Renee Schaal of Burlington, were named national winners in Arkansas earlier this year.
The OYF award is based on 50% progress in ag career, 25% soil and water conservation and 25% on contributions to community, state or nation. Goals of the OYF program are:Â
*To foster better urban-rural relations through the understanding of farmers' challenges, as well as the appreciation of their contributions and achievements;
*To bring about a greater interest in farmers/ranchers;
*To help build an urban awareness of the farmers' importance and impact on America's economy.
Now in its 60th year, Wisconsin OYF has had 16 national winners. Â
Source: Wisconsin Jaycees