American Farm Bureau Honors Young Farmer and Rancher Competitive Event Winners

Winners of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture competitive events were announced at the American Farm Bureau’s 105th 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 AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference, which will be held March 8-11 in Omaha, Nebraska. 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

• Daniel and Megan Roberts of Minnesota won the Achievement Award.
• Matt and Molly Adams of Kentucky are the second-place runners-up.

• Brady and Anna Peek of Alabama won third place.
• Clay and Alyssa Abbott of Illinois 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.

Discussion Meet

• Matthew McClanahan of Tennessee won the Discussion Meet.
• Laura Holmgren of Utah is the second-place runner-up.
• Cole Lickley of Idaho won third place.
• Kylie Wheeler of Indiana 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

• Justin Hargrove of Tennessee won the Excellence in Agriculture Award.
• Ben and Ashley Menges of Arizona are the second-place runners-up.
• Thomas and Rachel Henley of Virginia won third place.
• Megan Dwyer of Illinois 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.

New YF&R Executive Team
Also during the convention, members of the AFBF YF&R Committee elected a new executive team. Kevin Lussier of Florida will be the committee’s chair for 2024, taking over the position in March at the end of the YF&R Leadership Conference, and will serve for one year. He will also serve a one-year term on the AFBF board of directors.

Clarissa Cauthorn of Missouri was elected vice chair and Haily Sand of Wisconsin was elected secretary. They will each serve one-year terms.