The YF&R Achievement Award recognizes Young Farmers & Ranchers who have excelled in their farm or ranch and have honed their leadership abilities to superiority. Participants are involved in production agriculture with a majority of their income subject to normal production risks. Judges evaluate competitor's excellence in management, growth and scope of their enterprise and self-initiative that have been displayed throughout the farm or ranch.
The top three finalists will receive:
- $1,000 prize
- A one-night stay at the 2026 SCFB Annual Meeting in Myrtle Beach on December 4, 2026
- A one-night stay at the 2027 SCFB YF&R Conference in Greenville on January 30, 2027
In addition, the winner or winning couple will receive:
- $35,000 to apply to the purchase of the Ford truck of their choice, compliments of the Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company
- An opportunity to attend the 2027 AFBF Fusion Conference in New Orleans, LA, March 12-15, 2027*
- A one-night stay at the SCFB Annual Meeting in Myrtle Beach in December 2027, to be highlighted as the 2027 winner*
- A trip to compete (required) at the 2028 American Farm Bureau (AFBF) Annual Convention in Oklahoma City, OK, January 14-19, 2028*
Achievement Award prizes are sponsored in part by the SC Farm Bureau Federation and Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company.
Application Deadline is October 1, 2026.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH THE ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL.
Find more information about contest eligibility, rules, and judging through the online application portal.
Application Rubric & Scoring Guide
2026 Achievement Award Winner
Ben Cothran - Spartanburg County
