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Posted on Dec 2, 2018 in Featured, News Releases

Erath County couple wins TFB Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher contest

Erath County couple wins TFB Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher contest

 

(CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas)—One couple has planted their roots deep in the Texas soil, growing crops and raising cattle in two Texas counties. Passion, drive and dedication have paid off for Justin and Lindsay Hannsz of Erath County.

The couple was named the winners of Texas Farm Bureau’s 2018 Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher competition at the organization’s 85th Annual Meeting in Corpus Christi today.

“In agriculture, you need perseverance and dedication,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “Justin and Lindsay have that and so much more. They’re not afraid of hard work. They’re willing to diversify and try something new. They’ve faced struggles that can be intimidating, especially for young farmers, but it hasn’t stopped Justin and Lindsay. They’re determined to grow their future in agriculture, and their efforts were rewarded in our contest.”

The Hannszes raise commercial Red Angus cattle in Erath County. They also grow cotton, wheat, mung beans and grain sorghum in Haskell County and raise a smaller cattle herd there.

In addition to their own operations, Justin manages a wildlife ranch near Stephenville.

Lindsay handles the day-to-day of family life and keeps their books in order.

Together, they’re raising a family and cultivating a life on the farm. It can be tough to manage it all, but their three children—sons J. and Brazos and daughter Hadley—are the reasons Justin and Lindsay keep going, even when the road gets tough. And a passion for agriculture is already taking root for the kids.

The couple also serves on TFB’s Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee, and they participate in Farm Bureau activities on the county and state level.

“The Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher competition recognizes farmers and ranchers between the ages of 18 and 35 for their dedication to Texas agriculture,” Boening said. “This year’s contest highlighted some of the best young farmers and ranchers in our state. Each couple tries to be innovative and looks for ways to diversify as they care for their land, families and communities.”

As winners of the Outstanding YF&R contest, the Hannsez will represent Texas at the national competition in January.

They’ll also receive the title to a 3/4 ton, 4-wheel drive Ford pickup with a diesel engine, courtesy of Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies, and a $5,000 cash award, courtesy of Farm Credit.

Other finalists in this year’s competition include Ryan and Santanna Bay of Gatesville and Braden and Jordan McInnis of Tennessee Colony.

The two runners-up will receive a $500 cash award, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company.

The winner of the national award will receive a $35,000 credit toward a Ford Truck, courtesy of Ford Motor Company.

The national runner-up will receive a Farmall 50A tractor, courtesy of Case IH.

The third national finalist will receive a $500 Case IH parts card and combination roll cabinet and top chest, courtesy of Case IH. They will also receive $2,000 worth of Stanley Black & Decker merchandise, courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker.

The fourth national finalist will receive a $500 Case IH parts card and combination roll cabinet and top chest, courtesy of Case IH.

Information on other young farmer and rancher events and activities can found online at www.texasfarmbureau.org/YFR

Justin and Lindsay Hannsz of Stephenville are named the winners of the 2018 Texas Farm Bureau Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher contest at the organization’s 85th annual meeting in Corpus Christi.

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