Enclosed is information pertaining to the LFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers-sponsored Contests for 2022. Please note the application deadlines. Please be sure to discard previous forms. All Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture, and Outstanding Young Farm Woman contest applications must be electronically submitted by MARCH 1, 2022 at 11:59pm CST. The finalists must have all interview presentation material turned into the State Office by May 1, 2022, and final interviews will be conducted during the week of May 17-21. Discussion Meet contest applications must be electronically submitted by MAY 1, 2022 at 11:59pm CST.
Only online application submissions using the JotForm system will be accepted. All online application forms will be available at www.lafarmbureau.org. All applications must be typed using the JotForm online application, which only requires internet access. No handwritten applications will be accepted. Designate “spouse” where applicable in leadership roles. Make sure all forms are properly signed to avoid confusion during the judging process.
Do not forget that an individual/couple can compete in only ONE contest at the national level (Achievement Award, Discussion Meet, and Excellence in Agriculture). On the state level, individuals may enter the Discussion Meet AND apply for either the Achievement Award or Excellence in Agriculture. If contestant is selected as a finalist in either of the two later contests, they will not be able to apply for the Discussion Meet.
Excellence in Agriculture finalists will have an interactive interview, including a PowerPoint presentation, in which they are able to discuss and clarify the contents of their application with three judges and a public audience. These presentations will take place on Thursday, June 23, 2022, during the annual convention.
All contest winners will be announced during our state convention at the Marriott Hotel in New Orleans during the Thursday evening Awards Ceremony on June 23. When the convention schedule is completed, we will inform the entrants of the time and place to meet at the Marriott. Since the awards are being presented in New Orleans, parishes may need to discuss lodging for your entrants. The YF&R Lunch will be held on Thursday, June 24, and we ask that you encourage your entrants to attend this function.
COVID-19: If LFBF is unable to hold the 2022 Annual Convention in-person due to COVID-19, the competitive events could be held virtually. All applicants should be made aware of this possibility prior to their application.
If you have any questions regarding these contests and their respective applications, please contact Megan Gravois (225-922-6213/megang@lfbf.org) or Niki Clarke (225-922-6314/nikic@lfbf.org). Thank you for your support of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Program.