The Fall Fence Forum is held the first week of October at Farm Fence Solutions in Worthington, Indiana. There are always familiar faces that return to the Forum to reconnect and rekindle old friendships. But what keeps the event fresh and interesting is seeing new people at the demonstrations, around the campfire, or taking a shot in the competitions. For the 3rd year in a row, Stockade has sponsored a “New Recruit Challenge” to help bring someone to the Forum who is attending for the first time. In 2022, 18-year-old Connor Voulo of Timberland Fence and Land in Upstate New York was the recipient, and in 2023 Ian Newman took a heap of ideas back home to Western Washington to enhance his fence building and retail business.
This year’s New Recruit Challenge winner was Adam Stebar of Stebar’s Fencing in Floyd, VA. Adam doesn’t run a massive crew – he’s mainly a 1-man show, which is how he likes it. But lately he’s been in the same position as many small business owners, especially as he looks towards building something for the future. He got a lot of benefit out of listening to Tony Thornton of Thornton Fence Consulting Group and his suggestions for managing costs, margins and profits. “I’m pretty comfortable building fence, but where I could use some help is on the business side. Tony gave me some things to think about when I get back home.”
As part of our commitment to growing the industry, Stockade provides hotel accomodations and registration for the New Recruit Challenge winner. They also get the use of a Stockade ST400i stapling tool for a year. Adam already owns an ST400i, but it needed some service work done. Stockade set him up with a demo gun and will be sending his tool to Certified Tool Solutions for a full cleaning and repairs. “I’m not much of a talker and sometimes it’s hard to step out of my comfort zone, but I really appreciate what Stockade is doing for me and the industry,” Stebar said.
“Sometimes it’s hard to step out of my comfort zone, but I really appreciate what Stockade is doing for me and the industry.”
– Adam stebar, stebars fencing, floyd va
Another newcomer to the Competitions at the Fall Fence Forum was Dylan Herndon of Herndon Farm and Land Services in Central Georgia. Dylan attended the Forum last year, but decided to step up and compete in 2024. In August, he and Deuce Brown won the Platinum Strainers Doubles Championship at the East Coast Fence Rivalry, qualifying them to compete at Fieldays in New Zealand. Then he jumped into all 3 events the first time at the Forum. “I’m already thinking about things I could have done better,” said Herndon. “I can’t wait to do it again.” Herndon won the “Rookie of the Year” award, given to the fencer who earns the most points competing in their first year. Dylan has proven himself in competition, and shows a lot of leadership as well. He’s already established an event closer to home – last year he put together the 1st ever Southeastern Ag Fence Day in Georgia to highlight fence building techniques and quality tools, like the Stockade ST400i, that can benefit people in his area.
Congratulations to Adam & Dylan – we hope to see you next year at the Fall Fence Forum!