By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Anderson County Farm Bureau members Braden and Jordan McInnis were named the winners of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Achievement Award competition over the weekend during AFBF’s 101st Annual Convention and Trade Show in Austin.

The YF&R Achievement Award recognizes the accomplishments of young agricultural leaders between the ages of 18 and 35 who actively make a living from farming and ranching. The contest rewards them for their hard work and determination.

“We are blessed to have the honor of representing Texas in the Achievement Award and winning this award,” Braden said. “The opportunities and experiences we have had through Farm Bureau so far have definitely impacted us in a positive way. We are super excited to see what Farm Bureau has to offer in the future for our family and farming operation.”

As winners of the national contest, the McInnises take home a new Ford vehicle up to a value of $35,000 and paid registration to the AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, courtesy of Ford.

The couple has their roots planted deep in the Texas soil, growing corn, cotton, wheat, soybeans, oats, grain sorghum and hay.

The first-generation farmers also provide commercial spray applicator services and regional agricultural trucking.

In addition to helping on the farm, Jordan is the lead agricultural science teacher and FFA advisor at Elkhart High School.

“As we completed the application for the contest, we had to really look at our operation and evaluate what we are doing. It helped us learn more about ourselves and our farm,” Jordan said. “This experience and being Farm Bureau members has opened up many doors and opportunities for us, including networking with other farmers and agricultural businesses across the nation.”

The McInnises also served two terms on TFB’s Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee and continue to participate in Farm Bureau activities on the county and state level.

Click here to watch a video from the McInnis’ farm.

During the national meeting, the couple went through an interview process and also had the opportunity to network with other state Farm Bureau winners.

The other finalists in the Achievement Award contest include:

  • Aaron and Lacey Sheller of Indiana
  • Glenn and Amanda Dye of Virginia
  • Riggin and Laura Holmgren of Utah
  • Richard Baker of Michigan
  • Nick and April Patterson of Tennessee
  • Scott Thellman of Kansas
  • Wesley and Alicia Logsdon of Kentucky
  • Mark and Shay Morgan of Arkansas
  • Preston and Kendall Jimmerson of Georgia

Zach and Sarah Eder of Wharton County represented Texas in the Excellence in Agriculture competition but did not advance to the finals. The contest recognizes young men and women who are involved in agriculture but do not earn their primary income directly from their farm or ranch enterprises.

Matt Mahler of Wichita County represented Texas in the Discussion Meet contest but did not advance to the finals. This contest is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each contestant.