Lincoln Deitrick

Lincoln Deitrick of Muskingum County is the winner of Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals 2026 Outstanding Young Farmer competition. The results were announced Jan. 24 during the YAP Winter Leadership Experience.

The Outstanding Young Farmer Award competition is designed to help young farmers strengthen their business skills, develop marketing opportunities and receive recognition for their accomplishments. Contestants are judged on the growth of their farm businesses and involvement in Farm Bureau and their community.

Deitrick operates a diversified farming business that includes row crops, a commercial cattle feedlot, seasonal hog finishing and a self-serve meat trailer that offers direct-to-consumer beef, pork and eggs. He also maintains a cow-calf Registered Angus herd in partnership with his family.

He grew up showing Registered Angus cattle at local and national shows and continues to be involved with Muskingum County Farm Bureau and working alongside his local soil & water office to help implement conservation and environmental stewardship practices throughout the county.

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. Deitrick is available for download.

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