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Noble County couple named Farm Family of the YearOklahoma Noble County's Scott and Carol Dvorak were named Oklahoma Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year Nov. 14 at the 67th annual state convention in Oklahoma City. A panel of judges selected the Perry family from 14 entries in the annual contest, which honors the farm family who best represents farming and ranching and the spirit of Oklahoma agriculture. The Dvoraks received use of a new Dodge pickup for a year, an expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation meeting in San Antonio, Texas, and other gifts in recognition of their accomplishments. The couple has three children, Joseph, Allison and Justin. Scott, 52, and Carol, 53, were married in 1978 and began their farming and ranching operation that same year on a school land lease, trading labor for the use of his father's farm equipment. They also rented more cropland and a small pasture, raising wheat and cattle and prairie hay. Today's operation consists of 720 acres of owned land and another 3,000 plus acres of rented land. The last crop year saw them plant 1,000 acres of wheat and 400 acres of corn with another 60 acres in alfalfa and 350 acres of prairie hay. The 2,000 plus acres of pasture remaining is used for the 145-head cow herd. "In the last few years we began feeding steers to sell as quarters of beef to friends and family. This has grown from just a couple of friends to a list of over 30 clients." All production records for the operation are computerized, going back 30 years on wheat and corn. Scott also maintains a daily journal so time, weather, current events and production records can be compared when making marketing decisions. "We want to produce the same amount of beef off fewer acres of pasture using improved grasses. We want to increase crop production using fewer hours on equipment and labor. And," they said, "we want to improve soil and water quality and see the results in increased crop production. "Most of all, we want to be good stewards of the gifts God has bestowed on us. We have been fortunate to witness first-hand the miracles of His creation." Scott served as district seven OFB director from 1996 until terming out in 2005. He has served many years on the Noble County board, and has held the president's position multiple times. Carol has served many times as chair of the county's FBW Committee. Scott also has served on the county ASCS Committee, with multiple stints as the chairman. Both he and Carol are members of the local Chamber of Commerce and Main Street organization as well as being politically active and Sunday school teachers and communion ministers. They also have served on the local Livestock Boosters Club. "We really believe in what we do and treat our farm and ranch operation as a profession," they said. "The whole family shares this belief in the importance of what we do producing food for the world." Scott said he grew up wanting to farm and married a farm girl that had the same dreams he had. "We are very proud of the profession we have chosen." 11/24/08 Date: 11/19/08
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