De Leon farmer named TFB Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher

(CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas)–Whether they’re growing hay, raising cattle or selling commercial real estate, Cade and Jessica Richmond of De Leon strive for the best. This year, they walked away with nothing less as they were named winners of the 2014 Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher contest during TFB’s 81st Annual Meeting in Corpus Christi.

The Richmonds faced fellow finalists Andy and Morgan Boyd of Lamesa and Clint and Angela Rutledge of Prosper.

“This competition is designed to recognize farmers and ranchers from across the state who go above and beyond to succeed in their ventures,” said TFB President Kenneth Dierschke. “They have great passion and determination. They are the future of agriculture and Texas Farm Bureau.”

The Richmonds grow hay, cattle and grain near De Leon. They also own and operate a rural real estate business that helps them lease additional land and gain additional hay and cattle customers.

Jessica is not new to TFB competitions. She was the 2012 winner of the state Discussion Meet contest.

The Richmonds have three children: Sterling, Jackson and Lillie.

As winners of the competition, the couple will take home: the title to a 2015 ¾ ton 4x4 Chevrolet pickup with a diesel engine, courtesy of Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies; a $5,000 cash award, courtesy of Farm Credit; 100 hours of use on a Case IH tractor from 60 HP-140 HP, courtesy of Case IH; $750 service voucher, courtesy of Chevrolet; and a plaque and belt buckle representative of the award.

They will also receive an expense-paid trip to represent Texas at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in San Diego, Calif.