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Denver Davis of Auglaize County is the winner of Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals 2026 Excellence in Agriculture competition. The results were announced Jan. 24 during the YAP Winter Leadership Experience.

The Excellence in Agriculture Award competition gives young agricultural professionals who do not derive the majority of their income from farm production an opportunity to earn recognition for their contributions to the agriculture industry, while actively contributing and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture.

A sixth-generation farmer and agribusiness owner, Davis helps operate a diversified farm while also running a cover-crop seed cleaning business and a family-owned full service insurance agency. In 2025, Davis also became a licensed Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans agent, providing farmers and rural small-business owners affordable health coverage.

With a focus on conservation practices and agricultural policy, Davis serves as treasurer for the Auglaize County Farm Bureau and has held numerous on-farm roundtables, hosted tours for elected officials, farm-to-table benefit dinners and regularly participates in Ohio Farm Bureau’s Ag Day at the Capitol and other state and national conservation-focused policy programs. He is also heavily involved within his community serving as a supervisor on the Auglaize County Soil & Water Conservation District Board, a farmer-leader for The Nature Conservancy’s Ohio Agriculture Ambassador Program, an advisory panel member for the Midwest Electric Community Connection Member Engagement Group, and volunteers with the Big Deb Classic Fishing Tournament to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research. He also spends time providing leadership development to students and mentoring fellow farmers on blending farm profitability with water and soil health.

As the winner, he receives a $3,000 cash prize, an expense-paid trip to the 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and an expense-paid trip to 2027 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, to represent Ohio in the national competition. His prize package is sponsored by Nationwide and Farm Credit Mid-America.

The Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professionals program provides leadership development and professional growth opportunities for Farm Bureau members ages 18-35. The program hosts the Winter Leadership Experience, a Washington, D.C., Leadership Experience and conducts the Outstanding Young Farmer, Excellence in Agriculture and Discussion Meet contests. Learn more about the program at experienceyap.com.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ryan Matthews, 614-246-8210 or [email protected].

Editors: A high-resolution photo of Mr. Davis is available for download.