OUTSTANDING YOUNG FARMERS SOUGHT

Ten young farm families will find out in February if they’re among the newest class of National Outstanding Young Farmers. However, applications are already being sought for the class of 2021. Ben Sowers of Maryland was one of the four honorees this year. He says it’s like joining an elite fraternity.

Sowers and his wife Kate operate a dairy farm with over 500 head in Maryland, building in agritourism and a small assortment of crops to support the cows. He suggests that the biggest hurdle for potential honorees is not believing that they are outstanding.

Applicants must be under 40 and derive at least two-thirds of their income from farming. Details and the application form are available on the Outstanding Farmers of America website. The deadline for Class of 2021 nominations is August 1st. The newest class will be named February in Connecticut.