Texas Farm Bureau announces Excellence in Agriculture finalists
(WACO, Texas)—For their dedication to Texas agriculture, local communities and their families, three couples have been selected as finalists in this year’s Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Excellence in Agriculture (EIA) competition.
The contest recognizes young men and women who are involved in agriculture, but do not earn their primary income from a farm or ranch enterprise.
This year’s EIA finalists are: Cody and Erika Archie of Gatesville, Scott and Sara Holloway of Bowie and Jake and Brandi Murphree of Hamilton.
“These three couples have a passion for agriculture, determination to succeed and faith to get them through the difficult times,” said TFB President Russell W. Boening. “They play a vital role in supporting Texas farmers and ranchers and their agricultural communities. That hard work and dedication is a benefit for all of Texas agriculture.”
Finalists were chosen from TFB’s 13 districts. The Archies, Holloways and Murphrees were chosen as finalists from that group.
A panel of volunteer judges interviewed the couples and the state winner will be announced at TFB’s Annual Meeting Dec. 5-7 in Arlington.
Cody and Erika Archie, 35 and 34 respectively, work on their small ranch and own Valet Cleaners and Laundry in Gatesville. Erika also works at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development office in Temple. They raise cattle and horses and attend junior rodeos with their children. The Archies are active leaders in the local 4-H chapter and members of the TFB Young Farmer & Rancher state committee. Cody also serves on the Coryell County Farm Bureau board of directors. The couple has two children: Kylee and Clancy.
Scott Holloway, 32, is a sales representative for an animal health and nutrition company, Alltech. Sara Holloway, 34, is a mixed animal veterinarian at Cross Timbers Veterinary Hospital in Bowie. Outside of their day jobs, the Holloways raise beef and dairy replacement heifers, manage a cow-calf operation and grow hay. Scott is vice president of the Montague County Farm Bureau board of directors and both volunteer with the local FFA chapter. The couple has one son, Coleman.
Jake and Brandi Murphree, 32 and 34 respectively, own and operate several small businesses, including Lone Star Liquids and Main Street Storage and Car Wash, in Hamilton. They also raise commercial cattle. The couple volunteers with the Hamilton County Livestock Association and other organizations throughout the community. Jake is also vice president of the Hamilton County Farm Bureau board of directors. They have two sons: Zeb and Jace.
The EIA winner will take home: a Polaris Ranger, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; a $5,000 cash award, courtesy of Farm Credit; a $750 service voucher, courtesy of Chevrolet; and a plaque representative of the award.
The two runners-up will receive: a $500 cash award, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; a power tool valued at $200, courtesy of Grainger; and a new pair of Justin Boots, courtesy of Justin Brands, Inc.
All three finalists will receive an expense-paid trip to the TFB Annual Meeting Dec. 5-7 in Arlington.
The state winner also will represent Texas in the national competition during the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual meeting Jan. 8-13 in Orlando, Fla.
For broadcast quality, HD video, of the candidates, please email requests to Ed Wolff at ewolff@txfb.org.
For high-resolution images of this year’s contestants, please click on the name of the contestant below.