AWARD FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers in Arkansas who have excelled in their farming and ranching operations and exhibited outstanding leadership abilities. The award is designed for those involved full-time in production agriculture.

The three finalists for the Achievement Award are:

• John Michael and Rachel Bearden, Hot Spring Co. The Beardens have a cow-calf operation in Friendship. They also raise performance horses, hay, sheep, and timber. Rachel is an extension agent in Hot Spring County, serving as Staff Chair. They have one daughter.

• Dayton and Lauren McCarty, Stone Co. The McCartys have a cow-calf operation in Mountain View, where they have 12 commercial pairs and 12 registered black angus. They also have 6 broiler houses. They have three children.

• Justin and Laycee Story, Scott Co. The Storys have an 851acre farm in western Scott Co., where they run a 145-head cattle operation and150 Black Belly and Dorper Cross sheep. They operate a liquid feed business while Justin also works part-time for other cattlemen in the area. They have three children.

The winner of the awards will be announced in July at the Officers and Leaders Conference in Hot Springs.