Apr 26, 2024Walther Farms general manager among Michigan Farm Bureau award recipients
The 2024 winners of Michigan Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer awards include the general manager for Michigan potato grower Walther Farms.
Andrew Braun, the winner of the Young Agriculture Employee award, manages 1,800 acres of potato ground near Cass City and Hemlock, according to Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB).
Braun, a Clinton County native, receives $5,000 off the first payment of a lease or installment on a 100-horsepower or larger tractor from GreenMark Equipment, a $1,000 AgroLiquid gift certificate and a trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation FUSION Conference.
“Our Young Farmer Award winners and finalists embody the spirit of agricultural leadership, actively advocating for and advancing Michigan’s farming community,” Katie Eisenberger, MFB’s Young Farmer manager, said. “Their dedication and contributions significantly enhance Michigan agriculture, and we are immensely grateful for their enthusiasm and efforts.”
Other 2024 award winners:
- Young Agriculture Leader: John Bowsky raises 500 acres of soybeans and red wheat outside Brown City in Sanilac County.
- Young Farmer Achievement: Matt and Alisha Gibson operate an 800-head hog finishing facility in Kalamazoo County and raise 1,100 acres of corn and soybeans.
- Excellence in Agriculture: Darcy Lipskey, a sixth-generation farmer, raises corn, wheat, dry beans and alfalfa for her family’s Angus operation near Minden City in Sanilac County.
