By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist
The applications for the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) and Excellence in Agriculture (EIA) contests are now open.
“Each operation is unique, and in Texas, farms and ranches are truly diverse. Big or small, organic or conventional, grassfed or grainfed—every farmer and rancher has a place in Texas agriculture,” Whit Weems, TFB director of Organization, said.
The contests are a way to highlight the achievements of the younger generation.
Applicants for both contests must be between the ages of 18 and 35 as of Jan. 31, 2020, and be current TFB members in good standing.
Applicants can apply as individuals or married couples.
“Our young farmers and ranchers in Texas are doing some truly innovative things on their farms and ranches, in classrooms and in the business industry,” Weems, who oversees the contests, said. “This is a great opportunity to showcase farms and ranches, businesses and other agricultural endeavors and be rewarded for it.”
But there’s more to the contests.
“The questions on the applications are things you don’t think about in regard to your day-to-day operations,” Weems said. “It makes you think outside the box, look at things from a different perspective and evaluate why you do some of the things that you do.”
Both contests serve as a tool to help guide farmers and ranchers in personal and professional growth, he said.
Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher Contest
The Outstanding YF&R Contest recognizes young farmers and ranchers who are actively engaged in farming or ranching.
“Young farmers and ranchers play an important role in the future of Texas agriculture,” Weems said. “This contest highlights and rewards dedication and ingenuity. It gives young farmers and ranchers an avenue to promote agriculture, conservation, advocacy efforts and more.”
One winner is chosen from each of TFB’s 13 districts. Of those, three finalists are selected after a second round of judging. The judges will then visit each of the three finalists’ farm or ranch to determine the overall winner.
This year’s state winner will receive the title to a ¾ ton diesel pickup, sponsored by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies; a $5,000 cash prize, sponsored by Farm Credit Bank of Texas; and expense-paid trips to both the TFB Annual Meeting and American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention.
Two runners-up will receive a $500 cash award, sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, and expense-paid trips to the TFB Annual Meeting.
Excellence in Agriculture Contest
The EIA Contest rewards TFB members who are involved in agriculture but don’t make the majority of their income through production agriculture.
Eligible applicants include farm store managers, crop consultants, agricultural educators and those who are employed by an agricultural business or agency.
“It takes small and large farms and ranches, as well as those businesses that support agriculture,” Weems said. “The EIA Contest highlights Texans who are involved in agribusinesses but still make time to be involved in production agriculture.”
The state winner will receive a UTV, sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; a $5,000 cash prize, sponsored by Farm Credit Bank of Texas, and expense-paid trips to both the TFB Annual Meeting and AFBF Annual Convention.
The two runners-up will receive a $500 cash award, sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, and an expense-paid trip to attend the TFB Annual Meeting.
Contest Information
Applications for both the Outstanding YF&R and EIA contests are due June 15.
Applications and instructions are available online at texasfarmbureau.org/YFR.
More information and updates to prize packages will also be announced online.
For questions, contact Weems at wweems@txfb.org or 254-399-5030.
Sign up for updates on YF&R contests, activities and other opportunities in the MyTFB membership portal. Login or create an account at