By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Six high school seniors were announced as state winners for Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) inaugural AgVentures Challenge: “Pitch It, Market It, Sell It” State Contest.

The contest challenges students to develop and deliver a creative marketing pitch for an agricultural commodity, product, or service.

“I am proud of all the participants who competed in the inaugural AgVentures Challenge: Pitch It, Market It, Sell It competition,” McKenna Bush, TFB Youth Outreach coordinator, said. “It was evident in competition that each participant made a considerable effort on their pitches. I look forward to seeing what these young leaders will accomplish in the future.”

The state winner was Joshua Jones, a senior from Rusk County. He received a $6,000 scholarship for his product and marketing pitch.

Jones’ product, Fetch It, makes it easier for farmers and ranchers to carry and move the essential tools they need. The product is powered by a diesel electric powertrain that farmers and ranchers can control from a smartphone app.

“The average age of farmers and ranchers is 58. They may need some physical help, and that’s what the Fetch It can provide,” Jones said.

Ethan Domke, a senior from Ellis County, was named state runner-up for his product, Twist-E Fence, and awarded a $4,000 scholarship. Domke’s invention repairs fences by twisting a patch wire into the broken ends of the fence.

“Developing a product is not simple,” Domke said. “There’s a lot of stuff you must take into account, and you have to think from other perspectives other than what you see. You must incorporate all sides of the market.”

Other state winners also include:

  • David Kendrick of Lubbock County
  • Abbigayle Smith of Coke County;
  • Avery Hulsman of Grimes County;
  • Franklin Gavranovic of Wharton County.

They each received a $2,000 scholarship.

This is the first year for the contest, open to high school seniors who completed TFB’s Thrive experience last August.

Thrive is part of TFB’s Student Success Series, which includes virtual and in-person programs for students in eighth through twelfth grade. The Student Success Series aims to help students develop a better understanding of advocacy, learn more about Farm Bureau and grow personal and professional skills they can use in the classroom and future careers.

Ten finalists participated in the state AgVentures Challenge where they created an agricultural product, developed a marketing pitch, and presented their ideas to a panel of judges.

The state contest took place at TFB’s Conference and Training Center in Waco Jan. 27.

The state winners will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. this summer to meet with elected officials and tour historical sites.

For more information about the Student Success Series, visit texasfarmbureau.org/student-success-series.