10/05/07 Essay contest for young farmers

The Idaho Wheat Commission and the Idaho Grain Producers Association are looking for young farmers to enter an essay contest. Five winners will get an all expense paid trip to Spokane for the Idaho, Washington, Oregon Grain Convention November 27th through the 30th. IPGA's Tereasa Waterman says there are a couple of reasons they're seeking younger farmers. WATERMAN "Let the wheat commissioners know what issues are facing the younger generation farmers so that the Wheat Commission can begin to address those issues as well as exposing them to the Idaho Grain Producers Association and letting them see what goes on in that organization. And it's also a great opportunity for these younger farmers to start networking with other farmers in their area." The average age of an Idaho farmer is 54 and the Grain Producers Association realizes that they won't exist in another 20 years without new, younger members. Qualified contestants must be under 40 years of age, an Idaho farmer raising either wheat or barley. The essay subject, "What brought me back to the farm and what's the biggest issue I face to stay there?" The essay should be approximately 350 words and has to be sent to the Idaho Wheat Commission by November 9th. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott