The Excellence in Agriculture Award spotlights young Farm Bureau members who are actively engaged in their community and effectively advocate for agriculture. Competitors are evaluated on their understanding of agricultural issues, leadership experiences and achievement, and their ability to communicate the importance of agriculture. Competitors for this award must not have earned the majority of their income from an owned production agriculture enterprise in the past three years.
The top 3 finalists will receive:
- $500 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:
- Up to $8,000 toward the purchase of a new 4x4 UTV
- A one-night stay at the SCFB Annual Meeting in Myrtle Beach in December 2027, to be highlighted as the 2027 winner*
- An opportunity to attend the 2027 AFBF Fusion Conference in New Orleans, LA, March 12-15, 2026*
- A trip to compete (required) at the 2028 American Farm Bureau (AFBF) Annual Convention in Oklahoma City, OK, January 14-19, 2028*
Excellence in Ag prizes are sponsored in part by the South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation and Southern Farm Bureau Life 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
Presentation Rubric & Scoring Guide
2026 Excellence in Ag Award Winner
Walton & Casey Calhoun - Marlboro County
