The Front Range Colorado Young Farmer Chapter accepted runner-up recognition in 2008. Representing the Weld-county based group were (l to r) John Brassington and his wife, Jimetta and Michelle and Steve Sterkel. John Brassington is president of the chapter and Steve Sterkel is the group’s advisor.

Front Range Chapter receives state runner up award

Every year Colorado Young Farmer chapters all over the state are doing some phenomenal community service projects designed to benefit the communities in which these ag producers live and do business. It may have been the Fort Morgan Chapter that took the top award in 2008, but the Front Range Chapter is receiving some kudos for their work as well. The Weld County based group received the state runner-up award for the Outstanding Colorado Young Farmer Chapter for 2008. The award was presented earlier this year at the organization’s state institute.

From educational presenters and fun nights and field trips, this organization is always doing something for the betterment of its community and its members. One meeting per month is used for organizational business and planning. The other is dedicated to education. This past year found the members hearing presentations on water, transportation requirements, seed options, fertilizer options, the impact of urban growth, the impact of GPS technology on farming and the use of auto-steer system in farm machinery. A local crop consultant was just one of many guest speakers.

A popular chapter activity that was held this year was a “shop night” where members had use of a large, well equipped shop in order that they could construct, or finish, any projects they had in process, or could take on in a single night. What was great about this activity was that for those projects that require an extra hand, one was right there to help as members shared tools, ideas and stories.

Like some of the other chapters in the state, the Front Range Chapter plays a big role each year in helping with the Weld Country Food Bank’s Fort Lupton branch center. The group contributed more than $500 to the food bank this year. Because the bank is able to buy food at some special rates which give it leverage to get $10 return on each $1 spent, this $500 donation quickly resulted in $5,000 worth of purchases for distribution.  This food bank donation was a follow up to an earlier coat drive that was held in the fall in which members of the chapter collected coats for kids in need which were distributed by local agencies.

Supporting up and coming future farmers is a huge goal for the Colorado Young Farmer Chapters and the Front Range Chapter did this by supporting the ongoing activities of both the Brighton and Fort Lupton FFA chapters by attending their labor auctions, annual banquets, serving on advisory boards and contributing financially as much as possible, including giving an annual scholarship to a Fort Lupton high school senior who plans to pursue a career in agriculture. In addition, this chapter also donates annually to the Adams County 4-H program and supports the Weld County Junior Livestock Sale by participating in the Fort Lupton Area Buyers Group.

The Front Range group is not all work and no play. This past year the group held a casino night, a Christmas party potluck, a bring a buddy steak-fry night, summer picnic, and end of year dinner.