Minnesota Farmers Union gave out its torchbearer award at their 69th annual state convention on Nov. 21.

The award winners were: Matthew Anderson of Trail; Oliver Brase of Waseca; Ryan Bruns of Olivia; Jacob Farmer of Long Lake; Abby Gebhart of Chaska; Kelsey Kasella of Royalton; Levi Koenen of Clara City; Sarah Lundberg of Chaska; Sarah Ritter of Chokio; and Chandler Winkels Muff of New Ricland.

“In order to receive the torchbearers’ award, you have to show dedication to the Farmers Union cause and a commitment that a lot of kids their age would not be able to do,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. “It is a great honor to receive the torchbearer award, and I would like to congratulate them on their achievement and thank them for being a member of the Minnesota Farmers Union family.”

In order to be eligible to win the torchbearer award, the youth needed to be involved with the Farmers Union education program for at least four years. Each individual also attended the Farmers Union all-states leadership camp, which is where individuals who have distinguished themselves as leaders meet with other Farmers Union youth from throughout the country in Bailey, Colo., at the National Farmers Union Education Center.

Since the 1930s, the torchbearer ceremony has marked the conclusion of a Farmers Union young person’s work in the youth program and the commencement of his or her participation into adult Farmers Union activities.