Texas Farm Bureau names 2025 outstanding young farmers, ranchers
(WACO, Texas)—Young farmers and ranchers are cultivating a bright future for Texas agriculture. This year’s Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) finalists recognized by Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) share a drive, dedication and passion for agriculture.
Each year, TFB’s Outstanding YF&R competition recognizes the accomplishments of some of the state’s top agricultural leaders between ages of 18 and 35 and rewards them for their hard work, commitment and determination.
The 2025 Outstanding YF&R finalists are Colin and Joy Graff of Hondo, Colby and Ashley McClendon of Lavon and Layton and Jessi Schur of Plainview.
“Volatility and rising costs make it especially challenging for young farmers and ranchers to succeed today, but they continue to adapt through innovation and diversification,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “We’re proud to honor these three couples for their perseverance and dedication to Texas agriculture.”
Colin and Joy Graff
Colin and Joy Graff grow hay and forage crops, producing 20,000 to 30,000 bales each year that supply feedlots and exotic ranches across Texas. They specialize in sorghum, Tifton, coastal bermudagrass, oats and Triticale.
Joy manages their small cow-calf herd of Santa Gertrudis with hopes of expanding in the future, while Colin also repairs agricultural equipment and provides custom farming services.
The Graffs own a ranch improvement business that specializes in pasture renovation, land clearing and development.
The couple is active in Medina County Farm Bureau, where Colin currently serves as vice president and previously as president. They are also engaged in their church and community, supporting local youth agricultural programs.
They live in Hondo with their two sons.
Colby and Ashley McClendon
Colby and Ashley McClendon are sixth-generation farmers and ranchers who grow row crops, including wheat, oats, corn, sorghum, soybeans and hay. They also provide custom planting, spraying and harvesting services. They raise Angus and Hereford cattle and sell locally sourced beef through their on-farm meat market.
The couple has made it their mission to preserve their family’s legacy while adapting to the challenges of urban growth in Collin County, one of the fastest growing counties in the state.
The McClendons are active in YF&R events and activities. Colby serves on the Collin County Farm Bureau board of directors and is also on the TFB Feed Grains & Oilseeds Advisory Committee.
The couple is active in their community and sponsor awards for their local FFA chapter.
They live in Lavon with their two daughters.
Layton and Jessi Schur
Layton and Jessi Schur have a direct-to-consumer retail store in Plainview, providing their community with fresh produce and beef from their farm. They manage a 32-acre market garden, growing more than 30 seasonal vegetables, and raise Limousin cattle. They provide meat and produce to farmers markets across the Panhandle in addition to their store.
Layton also grows sorghum and cotton alongside his father on the same land his grandfather bought in 1956. Jessi was an elementary math teacher before the couple started their storefront, which she now manages.
The Schurs are active in both state YF&R events and county Farm Bureau activities, as well as their church where Layton serves as head elder. Jessi also serves on TFB’s YF&R Advisory Committee.
They live in Plainview with their daughter.
Contest details
The winner will be announced at the TFB Annual Meeting Dec. 5-7 in Arlington.
The winner will receive a $60,000 member dealer voucher to be used at Ford, Case IH, Grasshopper, CAT or John Deere, courtesy of Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Company; and expense-paid trips to the TFB Annual Meeting and American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention.
Two runners-up will receive $500 cash award, courtesy of Southern-Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; and an expense-paid trip to the TFB Annual Meeting.
The state winner will advance to compete in the national contest hosted by AFBF.
Information on the contest and TFB’s YF&R program can be found online at texasfarmbureau.org/YFR.
TFB Annual Meeting
For more information about TFB’s 92nd Annual Meeting, visit texasfarmbureau.org/annualmeeting.
For high-resolution images of this year’s contestants, please click the name of the contestant below.
For broadcast-quality HD video of the candidates, please email request to Ed Wolff at ewolff@txfb.org.