By Julie Tomascik
Editor
Applications are now being accepted for Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) 2026 Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) and Excellence in Agriculture (EIA) competitions.
The annual contests recognize young producers and agricultural professionals who are shaping the future of Texas agriculture through leadership, innovation and involvement in their communities.
“Texas agriculture is diverse, and so are the people who make it thrive,” Roger Hall, TFB YF&R coordinator, said. “Young farmers, ranchers and ag professionals across the state are stepping up as leaders, and these contests give us an opportunity to highlight their dedication and the impact they’re making in agriculture and beyond.”
Hall noted the contest timeline is different this year.
Applications are open now through May 15, and the winners will be announced during the TFB Annual Meeting in December.
Outstanding YF&R Contest
The Outstanding YF&R Contest recognizes young farmers and ranchers who are actively engaged in farming or ranching with a majority of their net income subject to normal production risks.
“Young farmers and ranchers are constantly adapting, whether that’s through new production practices, technology or business models,” Hall said. “The Outstanding YF&R Contest gives young farmers and ranchers the opportunity to highlight their operations, their values and the role they play in shaping Texas agriculture.”
The top eight finalists will be selected from across all 13 TFB districts and receive a $1,000 cash award, courtesy of Farm Bureau Bank. Of those top eight, three state finalists will be chosen, and a panel of judges will visit those three farms or ranches to determine the overall winner.
The state winner will receive a $60,000 member dealer voucher to be used at Ford, Case IH, Grasshopper, CAT or John Deere, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; and expense-paid trips to both the TFB Annual Meeting and AFBF Annual Convention.
The two state finalists will receive a $500 cash award, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, and an expense-paid trip 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 from production agriculture.
Eligible applicants for the contest include, but are not limited to, farm store managers, crop consultants, agricultural educators and those who are employed by an agricultural business or agency.
“Agriculture depends on more than just production. It also relies on the people and businesses that support farmers and ranchers every day,” Hall said. “The EIA Contest allows Farm Bureau to recognize members who are building careers in agriculture while staying closely connected to production agriculture.”
The EIA Contest prize package includes the top eight finalists who will each receive a $1,000 cash prize courtesy of Farm Bureau Bank.
The state winner will receive a $15,000 member dealer voucher to be used at Ford, Case IH, Grasshopper, CAT or John Deere, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; and expense-paid trips to both the TFB Annual Meeting and AFBF Annual Convention.
The two state finalists will receive a $500 cash award, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, and an expense-paid trip to the TFB Annual Meeting.
Contest information
Applicants for both contests must be between the ages of 18 and 35 as of Jan. 8, 2027, and be current TFB members in good standing.
Applicants can apply as individuals or married couples.
Applications for both the Outstanding YF&R and EIA contests are due May. 15.
The top eight finalists will be announced in the summer, and the contest winners will be announced in December.
Applications, sample questions and instructions are available online at texasfarmbureau.org/YFR.
For questions about the contest or other young farmer and rancher activities, email youngfarmers@txfb.org or call 254-399-5021.
Previous winners
Meet the 2025 Outstanding YF&R winner.
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