ST. LOUIS (June 14, 2012) – The DEKALB® brand is proud to announce another year of recognizing select high school seniors across the United States who have shown outstanding performance in scholarship, leadership and agricultural work experience. Agricultural instructors from across the nation have nominated young adults deserving of the DEKALB Agricultural Accomplishment Award, showcasing the brand’s 65-year commitment to the support of ag youth.
The DEKALB brand is pleased to recognize these select students for their hard work, dedication and passion for pursuing a fulfilling agricultural career. These students demonstrate promising young talent and represent rising stars of the agricultural industry of tomorrow.
“For the past 65 years, DEKALB has honored our nation’s young ag talent through this award, which has become a prestigious distinction among many high school ag programs,” says DEKALB Lead, Jason Hoag. “We are honored to welcome the class of 2012 into our DEKALB family, and we look forward to seeing their impact on the agriculture industry in years to come.”
Jacob Turner, son of Steve and Lorie Turner, is the graduating senior from A-C Central in Ashland, Ill., to receive the 2012 award. Jacob plans on attending Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield this fall to major in agricultural business before transferring to Western Illinois University in Macomb. Upon graduation, Jacob plans are to join his family’s corn, soybean, wheat, and cattle farm as a 4th generation farmer while obtaining a second job in agribusiness, such as working for a seed dealer so he can enjoy working outside the office.
“This award means a lot to me because I’ve always grown up around farming and I just joined FFA my senior year – so it shows great accomplishment in just one year of involvement.” During his time, Jacob participated in the section livestock and crops contests, completed a proficiency record book on his corn project, planted flowers around his school and community, and received grand champion with his popcorn at the section fair. Outside FFA, Jacob is active with the National Honor Society, Cass & Morgan County Farm Bureau, and Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders program.
The 2012 DEKALB Agricultural Accomplishment Award winners will receive a cast pewter lapel pin, a personalized certificate and a letter of congratulations. Many schools recognize these winners’ accomplishments by displaying a personalized plaque in the classroom or school trophy case. For more information on the DEKALB Agricultural Accomplishment Award, please visit www.dekalbawards.com.
For more information about DEKALB, farmers can contact their local DEKALB Dealer, visit http://www.DEKALB.com and follow its business on http://www.facebook.com/DEKALB.