The applications for the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) 2021 Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher (OYF&R) and Excellence in Agriculture (EIA) contests are now open.

“Texas has a lot of farms, ranches and businesses that are unique, and this contest is a great way to highlight them,” Kaylin Isbell, TFB YF&R Advisory Committee chair, said. “Every farmer and rancher—regardless of size, commodity or farming practices—has a place in Texas agriculture and Texas Farm Bureau. And this contest recognizes and rewards young farmers.”

The annual 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, 2022, and be current TFB members in good standing.

Applicants can apply as individuals or married couples.

“Innovative, diverse, dedicated—these are all qualities of young farmers and ranchers in Texas,” Roger Hall, TFB associate director Organization division, leader development, said. “On the farm, in the classroom or in the ag business industry, they are doing great things, and this a unique opportunity to showcase their endeavors and reward them for it.”

But there’s more to the contests.

“Filling out the application is probably the most beneficial part of the process,” Isbell said. “It’s a time of self-reflection on your business. How did you adapt in the last year or five years? What did you learn and how can you improve? The self-growth and awareness in all areas of your farm is truly beneficial.”

Both contests also 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.

“This contest highlights and rewards dedication and ingenuity, but it also gives young farmers and ranchers an avenue to promote agriculture, conservation, advocacy efforts and more,” Hall said.

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 award, 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.

All district winners will receive a $1,000 cash award from Farm Bureau Bank.

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.

“Agriculture needs farms and ranches, but it also needs the businesses and industries that support farmers and ranchers,” Hall said. “The EIA Contest recognizes members who are involved in ag-related careers 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 $1,000 cash award, courtesy of Farm Bureau Bank, 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 Aug. 2.

Applications, sample questions and instructions are available online at https://texasfarmbureau.org/YFR.

For questions about the contest or other young farmer activities, email youngfarmers@txfb.org or call 254.399.5021.

Click here to meet the winner of the 2020 OYF&R Contest, and click here to meet the winner of the 2020 EIA Contest.