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Steve Sterkel named Colorado's Outstanding Young Farmer Advisor for 2008Colorado The strength of an organization is often thought to be equal to that of its leader. The Front Range Chapter of the Colorado Young Farmers Educational Association has enjoyed many successes and it gives much of the credit to chapter advisor Steve Sterkel. His chapter was successful in helping him earn the title of Outstanding Colorado Young Farmer Advisor for 2008. Sterkel, of Erie, Colo., has been the Front Range Young Farmers advisor since 2005. Under his leadership, this chapter has become one of the most active in the state, and one that has a huge impact on its community. With most of its activities taking place in the Fort Lupton area, the Young Farmers have quickly developed a reputation for being a "get it done" group. Sterkel has been with Farm Credit Services for 23 years and he is currently an assistant vice president for the Mountain Plains Farm Credit in Greeley where he maintains a portfolio of agriculture loans. He often gives up his coat and tie in the evening time while he rolls up his sleeves to lead his Young Farmer colleagues through meetings, social activities and community service projects. A 1979 graduate of Niwot High School, Sterkel attended Northeastern Junior College and Colorado State University, earning his advanced degree in 1984. The chapter, which includes 21 members, meets twice a month from September to mid-May. One meeting is used for a business and planning agenda and the other is always an educational meeting. At Sterkel's suggestion, the chapter began using a round table discussion format at some of its educational meetings which allows for some lively discussion on current agriculture issues. Hot topics this last year have included water, transportation requirements, seed, fertilizer and urban growth impacts. Some specialized presentations that were given in recent months included having experts come in and speak on global positioning systems, auto-steer farm machinery and Crop Quest. Under Sterkel's leadership, the chapter also held a 'shop night' where all members had access to a well equipped indoor location to that they could work on the project of their choice for the entire evening. Members of the chapter currently serve in a number of other capacities. Several of them serve on the Ft. Lupton FFA ag advisory board, and currently three members are serving as state officers. One member of the chapter holds a national office. "Steve is a very giving person," wrote chapter member Andelaine Chewning in the nomination form she completed. "He gives huge amounts of his time to the group as well as other kinds of donations, whether it is just giving advice on a topic, or giving out of his own pocket to benefit the chapter. He never seems to mind, he just always does it with a smile." From planning the next educational speaker to overseeing casino night, the chapter's summer picnic, or Bring a Buddy Night, Sterkel is involved in making sure his members are getting some good information and always having some fun. At a time and in an area of Colorado where agriculture must constantly battle urban growth, leaders like Sterkel, who understand both the financial and traditional family aspects of being on the land, are especially appreciated. 3/31/08 Date: 3/26/08 Advertisement
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