WORTHINGTON, OH-The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) and Beck’s Hybrids are proud to announce that Kerrick Wilson of Preble County was named Beck’s Young Farm Leader of the Year.

The Beck’s Young Farm Leader Program was established to highlight young Ohio farmers who have taken leadership roles in their communities while developing a foundation for farming success.

“OSA is proud to have Kerrick representing the Beck’s Young Farm Leader Program,” said Jerry Bambauer, OSA president and soybean farmer from Auglaize County. “He showcases commitment and perseverance through his involvement with the agriculture community and wants to be a part of solving issues facing Ohio soybean farmers.”

Each Beck’s Young Farm Leader was chosen quarterly by a selection committee consisting of OSA and Beck’s Hybrids representatives with one farmer selected as the Beck’s Young Farm Leader of the Year.  The 2013 Beck’s Young Farm Leaders included: Jeff Adams of Champaign County, Nathan Brown of Highland County and Kerrick Wilson.

“Beck’s Hybrids understands the importance of having farmers involved in their industry,” said Bruce Kettler, director of public relations for Beck’s. “We wanted to partner with the Ohio Soybean Association to develop and recognize future leaders that will play a significant role in ensuring the soybean industry continues to thrive. Kerrick is a great example of someone who wants to succeed and be involved in his community and farming.”

As the 2013 Beck’s Young Farm Leader of the Year, Kerrick will receive a trip for two to the 2014 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas and will be recognized at an upcoming OSA board meeting.

“OSA provides leadership for Ohio’s soybean farmers in promoting effective policies and legislation to ensure a growing and profitable soybean industry,” said Bambauer. “In this ongoing effort, one of OSA’s key strategies is cultivating a strong grassroots network of farmers who are drawn to the policy making process. Programs like the Beck’s Young Farm Leader are helping to identify and recognize the future leaders of Ohio agriculture.”

Kerrick farms 1,000 acres of soybeans and corn and is very active in his local community. Kerrick serves as Township Trustee on the Preble County Farm Bureau Board where he served as President and Delegate to State Annual Meetings. He has also been a member of the State Young Farmer Committee and serves as Secretary and member of the Executive Committee on the Preble County Agricultural Society.

About Ohio Soybean Association

The Ohio Soybean Association is governed by a volunteer farmer board dedicated to education and promotion, as well as to uniting producer interest through support of legislative activities beneficial to the Ohio soybean industry.

About Beck’s Hybrids

Beck’s Hybrids is a family-owned and operated seed company that serves farmers in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee. Beck’s Hybrids ranks third in market share in this six state area. According to a recent media survey, Beck’s ranks as the sixth largest seed company in the United States and the only one in the top six that is family-owned, making it the largest retail, family-owned seed company in the United States.

Media Contacts:

Jennifer Coleman
Ohio Soybean Association
614.476.3100
jcoleman@soyohio.org