Northern Alum Wins National Title
Spring 2003

The Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) program is the oldest farner recognition pro gram in America. The United States Junior Chamber began the program in 1954 and has held an Awards Congress every year since to honor four of America's best in the field of agriculture.
Long time National Sponsor, John Deere, hosts this annual tradition which is also supported by the Outstanding Farmers of America Fraternity, and the National Association of County Agriculture Agents. The date and location of this year's Outstanding Young Farmers Awards Congress was selected to coincide with the North American Farm Show Council's National Farm Machinery Show, which took place in Louisville, Kentucky, February 12 15, 2003.

MSU-Northern alum, Kevan Comes, ' 84, Lewistown, has been named as the 2003 United States Junior Chamber Outstanding Young Farmer. Comes, age 39, got his start in farming on his parent's ranch in Lewistown, Montana. He started with two bum lambs for 4-H. Later a gifted bred heifer started his cattle herd. He earned an Associate's Degree in Farm/Ranch Management from Northern Montana College, Havre, Montana in 1984. He earned an additional degree in Electronics from National College in Rapid City, South Dakota in 1989. In 1992, he returned to ranching by leasing land near his parents' ranch. Kevan has acquired five other leases since that time, and has been the principal rancher on the family ranch since 2000. He currently runs 630 head of Black Angus cattle on nearly 7,800 acres.

Comes teaches third graders about the unlimited benefits of cattle during the Fergus County Livestock Association Agriculture Day. He has served for seven years with the Heath Rural Volunteer Fire Department, being instrumental in increasing the number of fire trucks from two to six. On the Fergus County Fire Council, he utilized a grant and private funds to acquire 80 personal protective gear units, additional fire safety training and fire fighting equipment. He serves as a judge and advisor during local and state FFA and 4-H competitions. With his construction, electronics, and ranching background he presents a positive image of a vocational agricultural lifestyle. While serving on the FFA advisory board the local enrollment has increased from 31 to over 90 students. Kevan also serves as supervisor for the Fergus County Conservation District and has been the overseer of well repairs and watershed projects that have saved an estimated 37 million gallons of water and repaired 19.5 miles of stream. Comes is extensively involved with a number of ranch related organizations including the Montana Stockgrower's Association, Montana Farm Bureau, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Fergus County Livestock Association, Montana Beef Network and Central Montana Angus Association.

The Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) program has been established to foster better urban-rural relations by creating a greater interest in, and understanding of, today's farmers by honoring their achievements. The program originated from the naming of an outstanding Man of the Year by the Shenandoah (Iowa) Jaycees during the 1940s. In 1951, the Iowa Jaycees selected their first OYF winner and in 1954, the program was approved as a national recognition program for the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce. The first four national winners were recognized in 1955. Only two other Montanans have been honored with this award; Donald Keil in 1973 and Marty Klinker in 1996.
  

Info, Disclaimer, Executive Council & Directors