Chris and Jackie Sanford, a couple from Jackson County, Michigan, have been named the winners of the 2023 Young Farmer Award by the Michigan Farm Bureau. The award recognizes young farmers, ages 18-35, for their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, and participation in the Farm Bureau.
The Sanfords were selected from among 16 finalists who competed in the Excellence in Agriculture category of the Young Farmer Awards. They operate Sanford Family Beef, raising beef cattle and pigs, and selling meat cuts directly to customers from their on-farm store. The couple also works for AgriKing and Greenstone Farm Credit Services, respectively.
Their advocacy for key quality-of-life components, including affordable higher-education options and community-based curricula, has been a source of pride for them as farmers and involved community members. The couple also promotes physical and mental health as crucial components of a successful farming career.
As the state winners, Chris and Jackie will receive a three-month lease of a Michigan CAT skid-steer, a $1,000 AgroLiquid gift certificate, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting to compete in the national competition. They hope to lead by example for the next generation of farmers and to show that farming can be a career of joy, calm, and fulfillment.
Source : Michigan Agconnection