By Julie Tomascik
Editor
Young farmers and ranchers from across the nation competed this week in Louisiana during the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 100th Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show.
Texans competed in the Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture and Discussion Meet competitions.
“These Young Farmer & Rancher contests provide a great opportunity to develop leadership skills and advocate for agriculture,” Whit Weems, Texas Farm Bureau director of Organization, said. “Our contestants shared their passion for agriculture by telling their story and advocating for important issues related to diversity in agriculture.”
Justin and Lindsay Hannsz of Erath County competed in the Achievement Award, which recognizes the accomplishments of young agricultural leaders between the ages of 18 and 35 who actively make a living from farming and ranching.
“It was a great experience coming to New Orleans and getting to meet the other contestants from all over the country. We enjoyed visiting with them and learning about their operations,” Justin said. We were honored to represent Texas and Texas Farm Bureau in this contest.”
Justin and Lindsay have their roots planted deep in the Texas soil, raising cattle and growing cotton, wheat, mung beans and grain sorghum in Haskell and Erath counties.
In addition to their own operations, Justin manages a wildlife ranch near Stephenville.
The couple has three children.
Click here for a video of the Hannszs’ farm and ranch.
Garren and Shannon Bellis of Van Zandt County competed in the Excellence in Agriculture competition. This contest is designed for young farmers and ranchers ages 18 to 35 who are involved in agriculture but do not earn their primary income from a farm or ranch enterprise.
“Having the opportunity to represent the state of Texas at a national event was quite an honor for Garren and me,” Shannon said. “We are extremely humbled by the support and encouragement we received from all facets of the Texas Farm Bureau membership. We learned more about ourselves through this process and have been able to truly focus on what God has in front of us. We thank everyone who encouraged and supported us throughout this journey.”
The road of agriculture led the couple from Missouri to Texas where Garren manages Gabriel Ranch, a registered Angus seedstock operation for both commercial and purebred cattlemen, in Grand Saline.
Shannon co-founded and manages BovaTrac International, a company that focuses on genetics for commercial cattleman around the globe. She helps cattlemen and women improve efficiency and profitability in their cattle herds while optimizing their available resources.
The couple also raises a small cattle herd. They have one son and another on the way.
Click here to watch a video and learn more about Garren and Shannon.
Madalynn Kainer, a Victoria County Farm Bureau member, represented Texas in the Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet.
Through this contest, Kainer discussed issues facing farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses, as well as potential solutions to those problems.
“This contest gave me the opportunity to discuss and learn more about some of today’s hottest issues in agriculture,” Kainer said. “This contest inspired me to continue to learn more about pressing issues and to implement some ideas discussed in my own county.”
She advanced to the Sweet 16. During the contest, she discussed protecting farmers’ access to technology and ways to encourage students to pursue agricultural careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
The young farmers and ranchers from Texas also participated in learning sessions and networked with their counterparts from across the country.
“I’m excited and honored to be with our Young Farmer & Rancher contest winners representing Texas in New Orleans,” Melody Kneupper, TFB’s Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee chair, said. “It has been a great trip to learn about other state’s Young Farmer & Rancher programs and contests and meet other like-minded people from all