During the Minnesota Farm Bureau Leadership, Education, Advocacy, and Promotion Conference, Keith and Lori Aakre of Hawley were named Advocates of the Year. Katie and Brady Lee, East Polk County, received the Golden Pitchfork award for their efforts in supporting the Young Farmers and Ranchers program. The top eight Young Farmers and Ranchers discussion meet participants will move on to compete for the state title at the MFBF annual meeting in November. Jacob Runge of Ridgewater College won the collegiate discussion meet and will advance to the national competition in Omaha, Nebraska this March.


