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The Outstanding Young Farmer Contest 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.

Representing the best of Ohio young farmers

The ideal candidate for this award is an individual or couple involved in production agriculture with a majority of his/her net income subject to normal production risks.

Eligibility

• An applicant can be either an individual, a married couple or couple who has similar legal rights under the law applicable to Ohio. Applicant may choose to apply individually, rather than as a couple.
• Applicant must be actively engaged in farming, with the majority of his/her net income coming from production agriculture. Applicant must have at least three years of financial records showing the majority of income came from production agriculture. 
• Must be an active/voting member of a county Farm Bureau.
• Must be 18-35 years of age prior to Jan. 31, 2023.
• Previous state winners and current Young Agricultural Professionals State Committee members are ineligible.
• Past and present members of the American Farm Bureau YF&R Committee may not apply.

Prizes

The award winner receives expense-paid trips to the Winter Leadership Experience and Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, a media package and a $3,000 prize of choice. Prizes are courtesy of Farm Credit Mid-America, Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau. The winner also represents Ohio at the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Puerto Rico next January.

The top three finalists will receive an expense-paid trip to the Winter Leadership Experience and Ohio Farm Bureau soft shell jacket. Finalist prize packages are provided by Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and Ohio Soybean Council.

Learning Sessions

This year, Ohio Farm Bureau will host several learning sessions where applicants can learn more about the application requirements, walk through challenging portions of the application, and review advice from former award winners. The virtual learning sessions begin at 7 p.m.:

Contest overview: March 29

Crafting your application: April 12

Financial success: April 26

Interview workshop: May 9

Use this link to register for each session.

Apply

Applications are due to Kelsey Turner, Ohio Farm Bureau leadership development program specialist, [email protected], no later than May 13, 2022 at noon.

Online Extra

Meet Kyle Stockton, the 2021 Outstanding Young Farmer.