|
Carlson named Agriculturist of Year By Rebecca Lackie Stiles Farm holds annual field day The Stiles Farm Foundation held its 44th annual field day Tuesday in Thrall. The morning sessions consisted of speakers addressing farm related issues. Agronomists, specialists and representatives from agricultural alliances took turns educating farmers on issues that affect the farming community. After the speakers were finished, local farmers were invited to tour different exhibits that displayed the newest and most progressive farm equipment and techniques available. At noon an awards ceremony was held, during which Billy Carlson was named the Taylor Agriculturist of the Year. Carlson has been farming since 1972, and is in partnership with his father. The two farms contain 3,500 acres of corn, cotton and hay. Carlson is also a partner in the pair's ranching operation, running approximately 200 cows on 1,100 acres of pasture land. Carlson has served on the Williamson County Forage Committee and the Williamson County Livestock Committee. He was vice president of the Young Farmers Organization and received the award for Runner-up Star Young Farmer in Area VII. Carlson has also been a leader and officer in 4-H and FFA Boosters and has served as president and received an honorary Chapter FFA degree in 1993. “I feel very proud and honored to receive the award,” Carlson said. “I feel honored to represent Williamson County and to keep the No. 1 business in Williamson County strong.” The 2007 recipients of the Stiles Farm Foundation scholarships were also announced. The scholarship winners were Reyse Jatzlau of Giddings and Dulcie Durand of Round Rock. They each received scholarships in the amount of $4,000 from the foundation. Jatzlau, who said he has a love for agriculture, has been an active 4-H member since third grade. He has participated in projects with cattle and horses, as well as participating in leadership projects. He was also a part of the Lee County 4-H Texas Stars Equestrian Drill Team. Jatzlau was 4-H Club president, and is planning to take preparatory classes at Blinn College before transferring to Texas A&M to pursue a degree in agricultural engineering. “I am thankful that I got this scholarship,” Jatzlau said. “This will help me pay for my first two years of college.” Durand, who is known for her culinary skills, has been in 4-H for nine years. She has spent years competing in food shows as well as participating in learning projects where she worked with goats, rabbits and wildlife. She also did public speaking projects as well. She is a 4-H Gold Star Winner and county 4-H ambassador who has shared her experience with others. Durand plans to become a health educator and will be attending the University of Texas at San Antonio in the fall to majoring in nutrition. Durand was at UT orientation Tuesday and unable to attend the scholarship presentation. Following the awards ceremony was a barbecue lunch sponsored by the Taylor Chamber of Commerce. After lunch there were equipment demonstration and a cattle industry update.
|
