Big or small. Organic or conventional. Grass-fed or grain-fed. Each operation is unique and helps make up the diversity of Texas agriculture.
Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) annual Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher (OYF&R) and Excellence in Agriculture (EIA) contests are a way to highlight the achievements of the younger generation, and this year’s applications are now available online.
“These contests recognize young men and women for their service to rural Texas and agriculture,” Whit Weems, TFB director of Leader Development, said. “Young farmers and ranchers in Texas work to make a difference in their field and communities, and we like to highlight and reward their efforts.”
Applicants for both contests must be under the age of 36 on Jan. 31, 2019.
The Outstanding YF&R contest is designed for TFB members who are actively engaged in farming and/or ranching.
“Young farmers and ranchers play an important role in sustaining and supporting Texas agriculture,” Weems said. “Through this contest, we reward dedication, perseverance and ingenuity.”
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 and/or ranch to determine the overall winner.
All three finalists will be showcased at TFB’s annual meeting this December in Corpus Christi where the winner will be named.
This year’s state winner will receive: the title to a ¾ ton diesel 4×4 pickup, courtesy of Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies; $5,000 cash award, courtesy of Farm Credit; transportation and two nights lodging and meals to the TFB Annual Meeting; and a paid trip to represent TFB in the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Achievement Award program in January in New Orleans, La.
The two runners-up will receive a $500 cash award, courtesy of the Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, and transportation and lodging to the TFB Annual Meeting.
EIA 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.
“Agribusinesses play a key role in agriculture, and this contest highlights Texans who are involved in those businesses and agencies and still make time to be involved in production agriculture,” Weems said.
The state winner will receive: a side-by-side UTV, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; $5,000 cash award, courtesy of Farm Credit; transportation and two nights lodging and meals to TFB’s Annual Meeting in December; and a paid trip to represent TFB in the AFBF EIA Award program in January.
The two runners-up will receive a $500 cash award, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, and transportation and lodging to the TFB Annual Meeting.
The winners of the national Achievement Award and EIA Award will each receive a $35,000 credit toward a Ford Truck, courtesy of Ford Motor Company.
The national runners-up in both contests will receive a Farmall 50A tractor, courtesy of Case IH.
The third national finalist in both contests will receive a $500 Case IH parts card and combination roll cabinet and top chest, courtesy of Case IH. They will also receive $2,000 worth of Stanley Black & Decker merchandise, courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker.
The fourth national finalist of the Achievement Award and EIA Award will receive a $500 Case IH parts card and combination roll cabinet and top chest, courtesy of Case IH.
Information on other young farmer and rancher events and activities can found online at www.texasfarmbureau.org/YFR.
The application must be submitted online by Aug. 1. More information, online application instructions and the application link can be found at http://bit.ly/TFB-YFR.