Agribusiness Committee announces five Farm City Awards of Excellence

The Agribusiness Committee of Merced County announced the Farm City Awards of Excellence for 2011.

The group recognized individuals and businesses in five areas: agribusiness — the Farm Credit System represented by two local organizations, American Ag Credit and Yosemite Farm Credit; ag education — Steve Obad; field crops — Bob and Jeanne Giampaoli; livestock and dairy — Peter and Rochelle Koch; trees and vines — Benina Montes.

In recognition of the National Farm-City Week Nov. 18-24, the committee noted the contributions to their specific area as well as service to the community.

The awards will be presented at the 37th Annual Farm City Banquet to be held on Nov. 17. The chicken and pork loin dinner, catered by the Golden Valley FFA, will be held at the Merced County Fairgrounds, Pavilion building. The social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $25 a person. Tables may be reserved for $200 for an 8-seat table. For information or for tickets, call (209) 261-9933.

The Agribusiness Committee said in a news release that its mission is to support agricultural education and safety and to recognize and award outstanding individuals in the various fields of agriculture. The committee awards about $10,000 a year in scholarships to Merced County students studying in various topics relating to agriculture and hosts the annual Farm City Banquet in November to commemorate National Farm City Week.

For questions on the committee’s activities or interest in joining, call (209) 261-9933 for more information.Sun-Star staff

This story was originally published September 30, 2011 at 6:57 AM with the headline "Agribusiness Committee announces five Farm City Awards of Excellence."