Abby Morgan, 4-H Extension educator for Purdue Extension in Montgomery County, along with her husband, Carter, were recognized in the Excellence in Agriculture competition at the 2023 American Farm Bureau convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, earlier this month.
The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation, but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations. The Morgans finished in the top 10 of competitors in the national contest.
“We were thrilled to compete at the AFBF convention with other young farmers and ranchers from across the country,” Abby said. “It was an honor to represent Indiana on the national level and not only share our unique agriculture story but also discuss our ideas for inspiring the next generation of leaders in the industry.
“This opportunity gave us a platform to talk about our goals and passions. The 4-H program was instrumental in me getting my start in the ag industry. I love giving back to the program that gave so much to me, which is why it’s important to be that encouragement and advocate for youth in ag.”
Carter and Abby presented to two panels of judges from across the country, demonstrating their knowledge, achievement and commitment to promoting agriculture in their local communities within Montgomery and Vermillion counties.
While the couple resides in Vermillion County, Abby is involved in Montgomery County agriculture through her role as 4-H Extension educator for Purdue Extension in Montgomery County. She serves more than 600 youth from kindergarten through 12th grade and manages nearly 100 adult volunteers.
“Montgomery County Farm Bureau is proud of the work done at Purdue Extension every day,” said Jonathan Shannon, Montgomery County Farm Bureau president. ”Abby and Carter being competitive on a national level shows their commitment to agriculture and the knowledge Abby has to pass on to our youth through 4-H.”
In addition to farming corn, soybeans and wheat with his family, Carter serves as a soil health consultant at the Vermillion County Soil and Water Conservation District where he promotes conservation practices such as no-till, cover crops and conservation management.
Carter and Abby both attended Purdue University, earning degrees in agriculture. In addition to their involvement in 4-H and their local church, the Morgans are active Farm Bureau members, serving on the Vermillion County Farm Bureau YF&AP Committee from 2013 to 2021.
The Morgans were selected to represent Indiana in the national competition after winning the 2022 Indiana Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award, where they received an $11,000 cash prize, courtesy of Farm Credit Mid-America and Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.
