How do I know if I meet the age requirement to compete?

We set the Ohio Farm Bureau YAP contest age requirements to ensure any of our state winners are eligible to advance to the national competition. Applicants must be at least 18 at the time their state application is submitted. Applicants shall not have reached their 36th birthday by the completion of the national contest to which they would compete if they were to advance. This means that for the 2027 contest year (state applications submitted fall of 2026), an applicant must be born on or after Jan. 18, 1992. Questions about your specific eligibility? Contact [email protected]

How do I know which award to apply for?

In general, if you are a full-time farmer, you are eligible to apply for the Outstanding Young Farmer Award. If you have an off-farm job in the agriculture industry, the Excellence in Agriculture Award would be your best option. Questions about your specific eligibility? Contact [email protected]

Can I apply with my spouse?
Yes, you can choose to apply with your spouse for the Excellence in Agriculture Award or the Outstanding Young Farmer Award. Couples are not able to compete as a team in the Discussion Meet. 

Do I have to apply with my spouse for one of the awards?

No, even as a married couple you have the option to apply as an individual or as a couple. Consider what makes most sense for you as a couple, what each of you have to offer for the application, and which option may best position you to excel in the contest.

Do I have to farm part-time to apply for the Excellence in Agriculture Award?

No, you do not have to be directly engaged in production agriculture to qualify for the Excellence in Agriculture award. This award is designed for those employed in agriculture, regardless of their connection to a farm.

I’m a college student, but my school doesn’t have a Collegiate Farm Bureau. Can I participate in the YAP Discussion Meet?

Yes, if you are an Ohio Farm Bureau member and meet the specific eligibility criteria outlined on the Discussion Meet registration form, then you may participate.

I am a Collegiate Farm Bureau member. Can I participate in the YAP Discussion Meet? 

Technically, yes. However, Collegiate Farm Bureau has its own Discussion Meet opportunity that we would highly recommend you participate in while you are eligible to do so. Contact [email protected] for more information. 

How do I learn more about the Discussion Meet? 

We will be hosting a virtual Discussion Meet deep dive. Simply register for the contest and individuals registered will receive more information about the virtual call. During the deep dive, we will unpack the basics of the contest, tips for preparing, and a brief overview of each topic question. Several resources are also available within the Discussion Meet registration form to better explain the contest and how one might prepare.

Can I compete in a contest multiple times?

Yes, if you were not previously named a state winner, you are welcome and encouraged to continue to participate in a contest year after year to continue to learn and grow.

Still have questions about YAP contests? Contact [email protected]