By Julie Tomascik
Editor
The applications for the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) 2024 Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) and Excellence in Agriculture (EIA) contests are now open.
The annual contests are a way to highlight and reward the achievements of the younger generation.
“We have so many diverse and unique farms, ranches and agricultural businesses in Texas,” Jay Clark, TFB’s YF&R Advisory Committee chair, said. “Young farmers, ranchers and ag professionals are doing great things and representing Texas agriculture on and off the farm. These contests give Farm Bureau a chance to showcase their endeavors and reward them for it.”
The contests will have some changes this year.
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.
“Innovative, diverse, dedicated—that describes young farmers and ranchers in Texas,” Clark said. “This contest rewards members for that dedication and innovation, but it also gives young farmers and ranchers a chance to highlight their sustainability, conservation efforts, advocacy involvement and so much more.”
The Outstanding YF&R Contest includes a new prize package this year.
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.
“Businesses and industries that support farmers and ranchers are also important to agriculture,” Clark said. “The EIA Contest allows Farm Bureau to recognize members who are involved in ag-related careers and also still make time to be involved in production agriculture.”
The EIA Contest prize package has been expanded this year to include 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. 22, 2025, 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 Aug. 2.
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 2023 Outstanding YF&R winner.
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