> News Release

Young Farmers and Ranchers Drive Forward at Farm Bureau Competitive Events

AFBF Staff

photo credit: AFBF Photo, Luke Munchrath


Winners of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture competitive events were announced at the American Farm Bureau’s 106th Convention. Young farmers and ranchers from across the country competed for the awards by demonstrating knowledge, achievement and commitment to promoting agriculture.

First-place award winners in each of the three competitive events receive $35,000 in credit toward a new Ford vehicle, as well as paid registration to the Farm Bureau FUSION Conference, which will be held March 7-10 in Denver, Colorado. Both prizes are provided by Ford Motor Company.

Runners-up who finish in second place in each competitive event receive a $25,000 credit toward new Case IH equipment, courtesy of Case IH. Finalists in third place receive a $2,500 Investing in Your Future cash prize from AmericanAg, a Case IH-branded safe, courtesy of Case IH, as well as $2,500 worth of Stanley Black & Decker merchandise, courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker. Finalists in fourth place receive a Case IH-branded Solo Stove worth more than $1,000, courtesy of Case IH.

Achievement Award

  • Kade and Morgan Hodges of Texas won the Achievement Award.
  • Dustin and Katie Wiese of Minnesota are the second-place runners-up.
  • Tracy Robinson of Tennessee won third place.
  • Alan and Rachel Eck of Maryland are the fourth-place finalists.

The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who have excelled in their farming or ranching operations and exhibited superior leadership abilities. Participants are evaluated on a combination of their agricultural operation’s growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership and leadership outside of Farm Bureau.

photo credit: AFBF Photo, Luke Munchrath

Discussion Meet

  • Abby Campbell of Ohio won the Discussion Meet.
  • Cain Thurmond of Georgia is the second-place runner-up.
  • Hayden Ballard of Utah won third place.
  • John Norwood of North Carolina is the fourth-place finalist.

The Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting in which active discussion and participation are expected. Participants are evaluated on their ability to exchange ideas and information on a predetermined topic.

Excellence in Agriculture Award

  • Marshal and Taylor Sewell of Florida won the Excellence in Agriculture Award.
  • Morgan Slaven from Virginia is the second-place runner-up.
  • Paige Nelson of Idaho won third place.
  • Jynel Gularte of California is the fourth-place finalist.

The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation, but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.

photo credit: AFBF Photo, Luke Munchrath

New YF&R Executive Team
Also during the convention, members of the AFBF YF&R Committee elected a new executive team. Ryan MacKay of Massachusetts will be the committee’s chair for 2025, taking over the position in March at the end of the FUSION Conference, and will serve for one year. He will also serve a one-year term on the AFBF board of directors.

Daniel Jones of California was elected vice chair and Allison Whiten of South Carolina was elected secretary. They will each serve one-year terms.

Press Contact

Mike Tomko
Director, Communications
(202) 406-3642
miket@fb.org

Bailey Corwine
Media Relations Specialist
(202) 406-3643
baileyc@fb.org