Maintaining its support for young producers who show leadership in agriculture, Case IH awarded nine new Farmall® tractors to the runners-up for the 2014 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Young Farmers & Ranchers awards. One of those tractors, a Farmall 45A, will go to W.P. and Amy Johnson of Moneta, Va., for being finalists for the Excellence in Agriculture award.
The winners, announced at the AFBF 95th Annual Meeting Jan. 12-15 in San Antonio, Texas, were selected for having an extensive agriculture background, possessing leadership skills and being advocates for their agricultural values.
“Case IH is proud to support these outstanding individuals as they continue to pursue a future in agriculture,” says Zach Hetterick, Case IH Livestock Marketing Manager. “At Case IH we strive to provide the tools and resources to help young producers develop a strong foundation for their future.”
The Johnsons are third-generation farmers, and they farm land that was previously managed by W.P.’s father and grandfather. The 750-acre farm started as a dairy and beef operation and has transitioned to wheat, soybean and hay production.
“I am involved with Farm Bureau because they allow me to set my own direction,” says W.P. “I like that I can be involved with policy development and network with farmers of all ages.”
The Johnsons ordered their Case IH Farmall 45A from the local Case IH dealer, Spaulding Equipment Co., Inc. in Clover, Va., and they can’t wait to get the tractor on their farm. They plan to figure out how to best incorporate the tractor into their operation. Uses for it might include pulling wagons, mowing and maintaining their grounds.
“I am really ecstatic and truly honored to receive such a generous gift from Case IH,” says W.P. “Case IH has done amazing things to help improve agricultural equipment across the nation.”
W.P. first got involved with Farm Bureau in 2006. He has been a part of the state committee and has attended the AFBF Annual Meeting as well. He is currently vice president of the county board.
Aside from Farm Bureau, W.P. serves as county executive director for the USDA Farm Services Agency in Pittsylvania County. He is also a member of the Bedford County Agricultural Economic Development Advisory Board.
RACINE, Wis. (March 19, 2014)