Three couples honored as 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: Scott and Sara Holloway of Bowie, Kacy and Justin Mitchell of Tyler and Ryan and Jessica Railsback of Cisco.
“In agriculture, there are many diverse farms, ranches and agribusinesses. The families behind each need determination and faith to get through the tough times,” said TFB President Russell Boening. “These three couples serve their communities and play a vital role in Texas agriculture.”
Finalists were chosen from TFB’s 13 districts. The Holloways, Mitchells and Railsbacks 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. 3-5 in San Antonio.
Scott Holloway is a sales representative for Alltech, an animal nutrition company. Sara Holloway is a mixed animal veterinarian at Cross Timbers Veterinary Hospital in Bowie. Outside of their day jobs, the Holloways manage their cow-calf operation and grow high-quality coastal hay. Scott is vice president of the Montague County Farm Bureau, and both volunteer with the local FFA and 4-H chapters. The couple has two children: Coleman and Charley Jane.
Kacy Mitchell is a rental equipment sales representative for ASCO Equipment in Tyler, where she works with the agricultural and construction industries. Justin Mitchell is a lease operator for XTO Energy. They raise Brangus-cross commercial cattle and grow high-quality forage. They also operate a pecan orchard and have grown watermelons in recent years. The couple is active with the Smith County Farm Bureau, where Kacy serves on the board of directors. They also serve on the Texas Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee.
Ryan Railsback is the ranch foreman for Paraiso Escondido Ranch, where he manages the wildlife, brush control and building improvements. Jessica Railsback is a loan officer for Central Texas Farm Credit. They partner with Paraiso Escondido’s owner on a purebred Red Angus herd. They are active members of the Stephens County Farm Bureau and assist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service programs. The couple has two children: Reed and Kendall.
The EIA winner will take home: a Polaris Ranger UTV, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; a $5,000 cash award, courtesy of Farm Credit; and a $750 service voucher, courtesy of Chevrolet.
The two runners-up will receive: a $500 cash award, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; a new pair of Justin Boots, courtesy of Justin Brands, Inc.; and a power tool, courtesy of Grainger.
All three finalists will receive an expense-paid trip to the TFB Annual Meeting.
The state winner also will represent Texas in the national competition during the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual meeting Jan. 8-11 in Phoenix, Ariz.
For high-resolution images of this year’s contestants, please click on the name of the contestant below.
For broadcast quality, HD video of the candidates, please email requests to Ed Wolff at ewolff@txfb.org.