Harrington farmer recognized

Josh Steward, president of Steward Farms, Inc. in Harrington, is among visionaries being recognized nationally through a program called Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives, a search to identify and honor 100 leaders who are changing rural communities and agriculture for the better. The honorees were announced at a National Ag Day event at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Farm Credit launched the Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives program as part of its 100th anniversary of service to rural communities and agriculture. As a Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives honoree, Steward joins an impressive list of leaders in agriculture and rural enterprise.

"Farm Credit has supported rural communities and agriculture for 100 years, and we understand the vision and commitment it takes to remain successful as rural America evolves and changes," said Todd Van Hoose, president and chief executive officer of the Farm Credit Council. "The Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives honorees are inspiring examples of leaders who are creating a brighter, more vibrant future for rural America."

Selected by a panel of experts on rural matters, including Farm Credit leaders and others from around the agriculture industry, honorees like Steward are among the best-of-the-best who are positively shaping what is next for rural communities and agriculture.

"The list of honorees includes many outstanding examples of individuals and groups bringing innovation and inspiration to agriculture across rural America. I am honored to have been named one of the Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives honorees" said Steward.

Steward is a 2004 Odessa High School graduate and in 2008 completed his degree in Agricultural Economics with a minor in Agricultural Technology and Management from Washington State University. In 2011, while selling equipment for Odessa Trading Company, Steward was offered and accepted the opportunity to lease a farm south of Harrington. Though working two full time jobs for a year and paying for the operating expenses weren't easy, Steward will remember those days fondly. Since taking over his first lease, he has acquired additional acres allowing him to hire on his father full time last spring. Steward lives in Harrington with his wife Katie, son Jack (5) and daughter Sadie (2). When asked what outcomes he hopes to achieve from farming, Steward said, "My wife and I try to be good role models to our children, so they will observe that hard work, persistence, integrity and sacrifice still pays off in the long run. We hope to provide our kids the opportunity to return home and raise families of their own on the farm."

For a complete list of the Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives honorees, visit farmcredit100.com/top100.

Farm Credit supports rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Farm Credit has been fulfilling its mission of helping rural America grow and thrive for a century by providing farmers with the capital they need to make their businesses successful and by financing vital infrastructure and communication services. For more information about Farm Credit, visit http://www.farmcredit.com.