News

Indiana farmers win AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award

Hoosier farmers Jacob and Jill Smoker of LaPorte County won the Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award at American Farm Bureau’s Convention in Atlanta.

The Smokers are the winners of a new Ford vehicle and will receive paid registration to the AFBF Young Farmers and ranchers Conference Feb. 25-28 in Louisville.

The family runs a row crop and cattle operation. Jacob manages day-to-day tasks, including crop contracting and overseeing feed truck deliveries, loader operator, and more.

Along with the support of Jacob’s father, Jill scouts, picks up parts, and runs equipment. She has a full-time job as an art teacher at Chesterton High School.

The Smokers got the opportunity to compete at the national level because they won the Indiana Farm Bureau Achievement Award at the annual INFB State Convention in December.

Indiana Farm Bureau President Randy Kron says the organization is proud of what the Smokers accomplished.

“Their dedication to Indiana agriculture and the hard work they’ve put into their application sets a great example for other young farmers in our state,” he says.

The award recognizes young farmers and ranchers for their leadership abilities and what they have achieved with their operations. Participants are evaluated on their agricultural operation’s growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership, and leadership outside of the organization.

The runner-up is Ryan MacKay of Massachusetts. Roger and Amanda Scott of Virgina won third place and Chad Bell of Illinois was the fourth-place finalist.