By Julie Tomascik
Editor

The applications for the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) 2022 Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) and Excellence in Agriculture (EIA) contests are now open.

“Texas has diverse and unique farms, ranches and businesses, and the TFB contests are a great way to highlight them,” Travis Wanoreck, TFB YF&R Advisory Committee chair, said. “Every farmer and rancher—regardless of size, commodity or farming practices—has a place in Texas agriculture and Texas Farm Bureau.”

The annual contests are a way to highlight and reward the achievements of the younger generation.

Applicants for both contests must be between the ages of 18 and 35 as of Jan. 31, 2023, and be current TFB members in good standing.

Applicants can apply as individuals or married couples.

“Our young farmers and ranchers in Texas are innovative, diverse and dedicated,” said Roger Hall, TFB associate director of Organization Division, Leader Development. “On the farm or on the job, they are doing great things and representing Texas agriculture. These contests allow Farm Bureau to showcase their endeavors and reward them for it.”

But there’s more to the contests. Both contests can serve as a tool to help guide farmers and ranchers in personal and professional growth, Hall noted.

“Completing the application is a time of self-reflection on your business. Did you adapt in the last year or five years? What did you learn? How can you improve? The self-growth and awareness in all areas of your farm is truly beneficial,” he said.

Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher 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.

“This contest highlights and rewards dedication and ingenuity, but it also gives young farmers and ranchers an avenue to promote agriculture, sustainability, conservation efforts, advocacy and more,” Hall said.

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 with the three finalists to determine the overall winner.

The 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; a $5,000 cash prize, courtesy of Farm Credit Bank of Texas; and expense-paid trips to both the TFB Annual Meeting and AFBF Annual Convention.

The two runners-up will receive a $1,000 cash award, courtesy of Farm Bureau Bank; a $500 cash award, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; and an expense-paid trip to the TFB Annual Meeting.

Each district winner will receive a $1,000 cash award, courtesy of Farm Bureau Bank.

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 needs large and small farms and ranches, but it also needs the businesses and industries that support farmers and ranchers,” Hall said. “Through the EIA Contest, TFB recognizes members who are involved in ag-related careers but still make time to be involved in production agriculture.”

The 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; a $5,000 cash prize, courtesy of Farm Credit Bank of Texas; and expense-paid trips to both the TFB Annual Meeting and AFBF Annual Convention.

The two runners-up will receive a $1,000 cash award, courtesy of Farm Bureau Bank; a $500 cash award, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; and an expense-paid trip to the TFB Annual Meeting.

Contest information
Applications for both the Outstanding YF&R and EIA contests are due Aug. 5.

Applications, sample questions and instructions are available online at texasfarmbureau.org/YFR.

Prize packages for both contests will be released soon and will be available on the website.

For questions about the contest or other young farmer activities, email youngfarmers@txfb.org or call Hall at 254-399-5021.