Want a new truck or ATV? Throw your hat in the ring for a chance to win through Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) annual Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) and Excellence in Agriculture (EIA) contests.
Applicants for both contests must be under the age of 36 on Jan. 31, 2017.
This is a great opportunity to highlight and reward young men and women who are making a difference in their field, community and Texas agriculture,” said TFB Director of Organization Jamie Gipe.
The Outstanding YF&R contest is designed for TFB members who are actively engaged in farming and/or ranching.
“This contest rewards ingenuity, dedication and perseverance—qualities that run deep in our young Texas farmers and ranchers,” Gipe 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 each of the three finalists’ farm and/or ranch to decide who will be the overall winner.
All three finalists will be showcased at TFB’s annual meeting this December in San Antonio, where the winner will be named.
This year’s state winner will receive: the title to a 2017 3/4 ton diesel 4×4 Silverado pickup, courtesy of Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies; use of a Case IH Farmall series tractor, courtesy of Case IH; $5,000 cash award, courtesy of Farm Credit; $750 service voucher, courtesy of Chevrolet Certified Service; 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 Phoenix, Ariz.
The two runners-up and their spouses will receive: a $500 cash award, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; a pair of Justin boots, courtesy of Justin Brands, Inc.; a power tool, courtesy of Grainger; 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, farm or ranch managers and people who are employed by an agricultural business.
“Agribusinesses provide many services that farmers and ranchers rely on,” Gipe said. “This contest highlights those men and women who make an impact on Texas agriculture. Many also farm and ranch on the side.”
The state winner will receive: a Polaris Ranger UTV, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; $5,000 cash award, courtesy of Farm Credit; $750 service voucher, courtesy of Chevrolet Certified Service; transportation and two nights lodging and meals to the TFB Annual Meeting in December; and a paid trip to represent TFB in the AFBF Excellence in Agriculture Award program in January in Phoenix, Ariz.
The two runners-up will receive: a $500 cash award, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; a pair of Justin boots, courtesy of Justin Brands, Inc.; a power tool, courtesy of Grainger; and transportation and lodging to the TFB Annual Meeting.
Each non-finalist applicant in both contests will receive a $100 service voucher, courtesy of Chevrolet Certified Service.
The deadline to enter is Aug. 31. Applications and additional information can be found here.