NEWS

Rosedale Couple Named Top Young Farmers

Deidre Cruse, Government Reporter
YOUNG FARMER AWARDS...Kerri and Clayton Hurdle from Rosedale were named the 2010 Top Young Farmers last week by Farm Bureau. Their prize package included a $35,000 cash credit for the purchase of a Dodge truck from the dealership of their choice, so they were photographed in a new truck by the Bureau. The Hurdles farm sugarcane, grain and raise beef cattle at their farm in Rosedale. Their award was presented in New Orleans at the 88th annual convention of the Farm Bureau.

A couple who farm in the Rosedale area were award the honor of being the 2010 Young Farmer and Rancher Award from the Farm Bureau organization last week.

 Clayton and Kerri Hurdle were presented the special achievement award. It is presented to farm couples 35 years old and younger whose farming operations balance production, profit and environmental concerns. 

The Hurdles run a diverse cattle, grain and sugarcane operation.  Clayton, who holds an ag business degree, is a graduate of the LSU AgLeadership Development program.  His wife Kerri holds an associate degree in nursing.  The couple has two children.

“We are honored to be recognized among our farming neighbors,” Clayton Hurdle said.  “We strive for perfection in every crop we grow.  Ours is a family run farm where everyone pitches in to help.  Farming has been in my family for a long time and it has been my passion for as long as I can remember,” he added.

“Farming is where our heart is. We love it,” said Kerri.

Part of the Hurdle’s prize package includes a $35,000 cash credit towards the purchase of 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck from the dealer of their choice, savings bonds and other prizes.  As Louisiana’s state winner the couple will compete for the national title in January in Atlanta during the American Farm Bureau Convention.  The two other finalists for the award were Bobby and Melissa Morris of West Baton Rouge and Monte and Dawn Rosinski of Scott.