Each year at this time, Brownfield Ag News, of which Ottumwa Radio Group KRKN and KBIZ is a long-time affiliate, sponsors the Iowa Ag Youth Awards.
We work with the Iowa State Extension Office in Van Buren County to find two young individuals for the Brownfield Iowa Ag Youth Awards. Our winners receive a specialized belt buckle as well as a Certificate.
Zane Smith is the son of Blain & Rachel Smith of Keosauqua. Zane is a 2024 graduate of Van Buren County Community School District where he participated in wrestling, track, cross country, FFA, 4H and the Junior Iowa Meat Goat Association board of directors. Zane grew up on his family farm outside of Keosauqua where they raise boer goats. Zane has enjoyed showing goats over the years. He has been successful and has received awards such as Iowa Meat Goat Reserve Champion Youth Achievement for his participation in goat activities and helping other youth to learn about boer goats. Zane has also been a part of the Champion team in the Iowa State Fair Goat Skillathon for the last four years. In 2023 Zane received his Iowa FFA Degree and was 3rd place gold in Iowa FFA Goat Proficiency. Zane’s love for the fair started at a very young age as he watched his older siblings begin their showing careers. The 2024 fair will be Zane’s 13th fair. He began participating as a 4H Clover Kid in kindergarten. Since then, Zane can be found volunteering at the fairgrounds all year long! He is a great mentor to the younger members and can be found helping his peers with their projects. Zane is a leader in and outside of the ring. It is said that Zane doesn’t know a stranger and is always willing to help with a smile on his face! Zane’s future plans are to attend Marshalltown Community College and major in Computer Networking Management and participate on MCC’s esport team.
Ryan Peck is the son of Rodney and Sherry Peck of Stockport. Ryan is a 2024 graduate of Van Buren County Community School District where he was the President of the Van Buren County FFA and was a member of the Construction Academy. Ryan grew up on his family farm outside of Stockport where they custom feed hogs, have a cow/calf herd, and grow row crops. Ryan’s love for farming was evident at a very young age. Ryan found enjoyment in all things farming. Before he could drive himself, you could find him in the buddy seat of wherever his Grandpa or Dad was. Over the years, Ryan’s passion grew and he has found himself taking on more responsibility with his family farm and even starting his own small cattle herd. Ryan’s love for the county fair came from working with his older sister and growing their love of cattle together. He has received awards in beef showmanship, beef County Born & Raised Champion, and last year was 4th place in the 2023 FFA Carcass Class at the Iowa State Fair. Ryan is a quiet worker and shows his leadership through his hard-work, independence, and determination. It is said that Ryan is always willing to lend a hand and do anything asked of him. In the past few years, Ryan has become a significant part of his family’s farming operation and plans to further his knowledge by attending DMACC this fall.
