Virginia Farm Bureau Young Farmers saw another successful year participating in the American Farm Bureau Young Farmer competitions at the 2021 AFBF Virtual Convention. Young farmers from around the country competed for the awards by demonstrating knowledge of and achievement in agriculture, as well as commitment to promoting the agriculture industry.

Achievement Award

Matthew and Shelbie Heldreth of Wythe County won third place in the Achievement Award contest, receiving a Case IH 40” Combination Roll Cabinet and Top Chest and a $500 parts card, courtesy of Case IH, as well as a $2,500 Investing in Your Future cash prize, courtesy of American Farm Bureau Insurance Services Inc. In addition, they will take home $1,850 worth of Stanley Black & Decker merchandise, courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker. Fourth-place finalists Brian and Ashley Rhodes of Mississippi receive a Case IH 40” Combination Roll Cabinet and Top Chest and a $500 Case IH parts card, courtesy of Case IH.

The Achievement Award went to Caleb and Leanne Ragland of Kentucky. They are the winners of a new Ford truck, courtesy of Ford. In addition, they will receive paid registration to the AFBF FUSION Conference, which will be held virtually in March, also courtesy of Ford.

The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers 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.

Excellence in Agriculture Award

Jonathan and Kelsey Grimes of Wythe County placed fourth in the Excellence in Agriculture Award competition. They will receive a Case IH 40” Combination Roll Cabinet and Top Chest and a $500 Case IH parts card, courtesy of Case IH

The Excellence in Agriculture Award went to Jackie Mundt of Kansas. She will receive a new Ford truck, courtesy of Ford. In addition, she will receive paid registration to the AFBF FUSION Conference, which will be held virtually in March, also courtesy of Ford.

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.