By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Texas farmers Layton and Jessi Schur of Hale County Farm Bureau took home runner-up in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Achievement Award competition.

The national recognition was announced this week during AFBF’s 107th Annual Convention in Anaheim, Calif.

The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who have excelled in their farming or ranching operations and exhibited strong leadership abilities. Participants are evaluated on a combination of their agricultural operation’s growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership and leadership outside of Farm Bureau.

“This is such an honor to be recognized for what we’re building in Plainview,” Layton said. “We take a lot of pride in growing quality fruits, vegetables and protein and making that food accessible to our community.”

As the runner-up of the national contest, the couple received a $25,000 credit toward a new piece of equipment from Case IH, courtesy of Case IH.

The Schurs operate Frontier Market, a direct-to-consumer retail store in Plainview that features fresh produce and beef raised on their farm and market garden. They grow more than 30 seasonal vegetables and fruit, as well as raise Limousin cattle. They also grow grain sorghum and cotton.

Through social media and a weekly newsletter, the Schurs share behind-the-scenes looks at farm life, recipes and candid moments from planting to harvest, helping bridge the gap between farmers and consumers. And their daughter, Sedonia, is a familiar face at Frontier Market.

In addition to the responsibilities they have with the farm and their store, Layton and Jessi are active in both state Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) events and county Farm Bureau activities. Jessi serves on Texas Farm Bureau YF&R Advisory Committee, helping guide programming and leadership development for young farmers, ranchers and ag professionals across the state.

The couple is also active in their church where Layton serves as the head elder.