COLUMBUS – The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s Outstanding Young Farmers Kelly and Michelle Abfall of Albany recently received a Kubota M-Series tractor to use for 250 hours, one of the prizes for being named the 2014 state contest winner.

“It is great when a business like Kubota supports young farmers, and show they care about helping the next generation,” Kelly said.

The Outstanding Young Farmer award recognizes successful young farmers for achievements in the business of farming and leadership in the agricultural community. The Abfalls also competed in the national Outstanding Young Farmer and Rancher contest at the American Farm Bureau annual meeting in San Diego in January.

“Kubota is committed to making investments in the agriculture industry as we continue to expand our business. What better investment than to support and promote young people who are on the cutting edge,” said Dan Jasper, Kubota regional sales manager for eastern Ohio.

Kelly and Michelle are members of Athens-Meigs County Farm Bureau, with Michelle serving on the board of trustees. They operate a 1,030 acre grain farm, where they raise corn, soybeans and wheat. They also raise beef cattle. Both have bachelor’s degrees in agriculture from Ohio State University and are active members of St. Paul Catholic Church.

Their 250 hours free use of the M-Series tractor is courtesy of Kubota Tractor Corporation. They also received an expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau annual meeting courtesy of OFBF and $1,000 in Grainger merchandise courtesy of Farm Credit Mid-America.

“Kubota is a valued supporter of Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals and I would like to thank Kubota for its continued support for the Outstanding Young Farmer award,” said Melinda Witten, Young Ag Professionals program director. “This donation is a highly valued prize. We appreciate Kubota’s contribution as we recognize Ohio’s top young farmers.”

Ohio Farm Bureau is the state’s largest general farm organization. Its mission is to forge a partnership between farmers and consumers. You can learn more about Ohio Farm Bureau and its Young Ag Professionals program at www.ofbf.org. Kubota Tractor Corporation, Torrance, Calif., is the U.S. marketer and distributor of Kubota-engineered and manufactured machinery and equipment. More about Kubota can be found at www.kubota.com.