National Outstanding Young Farmers of America
2024 Award Banquet
The 2024 National Outstanding Young Farmers (NOYF) of America award banquet was held at the Silver Reef Casino and Hotel in Bellingham, Washington, February 15-18, 2024. Attended by more than 150 farmers from across America the NOYF Class of 2024 was eager to meet each other and OFA alumni.
The NOYF Class of 2024:
Ivey & Austin Booker
Georgia
Ivey Booker is a fourth-generational cattle rancher and Captain in the Georgia Army National Guard. Operating a commercial cow-calf, backgrounding, and finishing programs, this rancher has achieved consistent growth in cow-calf weaning weights, reaching an impressive 580lbs through improved genetics and practices. Dedicated to continuous learning, Ivey is certified in artificial insemination for commercial beef cattle. Creating an online presence led to the successful launch of an all-natural, custom-labeled, farm-to-table consumer beef program.
Jennifer & Ryan Clark
Pennsylvania
Ryan Clark runs a unique farming operation with registered Jersey cattle and 520 acres of diverse crops. His expertise in carefully selecting bulls for milk quality and herd longevity has propelled the Clark dairy to national recognition, ranking fifth in the nation for protein in 2022. Starting with 60 Jersey cows, Ryan's journey in 4-H and FFA laid the foundation for his herd, gradually growing to 275 milking cows. Beyond the farm, Ryan is active in the Pennsylvania Jersey Cattle Association and volunteers for the Huntingdon County Fair and local 4-H clubs.
Jill & Quentin Connealy
Nebraska
From the Missouri River bottoms of eastern Nebraska is Quentin Connealy, a dedicated fifth-generation farmer, specializes in corn and soybeans, primarily under irrigation. Embracing modern farming technologies through the John Deere Operations Center, Quentin enhances equipment efficiency and utilization. Collaborating with agronomists, he implements variable-rate fertilizer seeding prescriptions to maximize productivity, while also preserving farm acres as no-till to support soil conservation. Quentin is a leader in his community by serving as a board member for the local chamber of commerce and the Tekamah Industrial Development Corporation. He has served multiple terms as a Farm Service Agency County Committee member and is a Class V graduate of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association Prime Program.
Jordyn & Eric Correia
California
Eric Correia is a third-generation farmer who not only owns and operates a farm but also manages a custom farming and spray business. Eric began farming straight out of college and then found himself in the driver seat when his father fell ill. The Correia farm predominantly supplies feed for dairies, featuring corn, wheat, alfalfa, and the cultivation of walnuts and almonds. Resilient in the face of change, the Correia’s have built reservoirs to capture flood release water and replenish underground aquifers, significantly reducing inputs and enhancing overall farm efficiency.
Bethany & Travis Dixon
Missouri
Travis Dixon cultivates success on a 1,400-acre farm with an array of crops. He embraces diverse practices tailored to his unique geography. In a region where ridge till is uncommon, Travis utilizes this technique for flat, poorly draining land. He employs cover crops and no-till / minimum-till practices. Precision is the cornerstone of his approach by spoon-feeding crops with the right nutrients at the right time using intensive soil and tissue sampling to guide decisions.His efforts garnered national recognition, achieving remarkable yields in soybeans, corn, and, notably, a second-place national ranking for milo in 2017.
Karen & Byron Dubois
New Jersey
Byron DuBois is a successful grain and vegetable farmer where he is a partner in multiple entities including DuBois Spring Brook Farms, DuBois Properties, DuBois Grain, and DuBois Farm Properties. Growing nine crops on more than 3,600 acres, he embraces technology using GPS Auto Steer on 17 pieces of equipment.
Water and soil conservation are critical to DuBois Spring Brook Farms as they have implemented no-till or minimum-till practices on corn and soybean grounds significantly reducing soil erosion and moisture evaporation. Byron holds memberships or offices in various organizations, including Alpha Gamma Rho, Salem County Board of Ag, Pittsgrove Ag Development Board, Salem County Ag Development Board, MidAtlantic Soybean Association, and the Farm Credit East Customer Service Council.
Lauren & Brandon Martin
Arkansas
Brandon Martin is a first-generation poultry farmer and a sixth-generation cattle rancher. Since 1936, Brandon’s family has proudly raised registered Hereford cattle a tradition that continues today. The Martin’s own and operate six commercial broiler houses. The synergy between cattle and poultry farming allows them to use chicken litter as a natural resource, eliminating the need for commercial fertilizer. Brandon serves on several boards, including AgHeritage Farm Credit Services, White County Farm Bureau, White County Cattleman’s Association, Arkansas Hereford Association, and the White County Central School District School Board.
Laci & Blake O’Hare
New Mexico
Blake O'Hare operates a thriving row crop operation in Eastern New Mexico and West Texas. His diverse cultivation includes pumpkins, chile peppers, corn, cotton, sorghum, and wheat - all set against the backdrop of a region facing water scarcity. Blake prioritizes water efficiency, employing cutting-edge technologies such as drip irrigation and drag hoses on pivots. Cover crops play a vital role, not only preventing wind damage but also nurturing soil biology, ensuring sustainability in farming practices.
Carolyn & Brody Stapel
Wisconsin
Brody Stapel is the owner and operator of Double Dutch Dairy. With 265 Holstein/Jersey cows and a commitment to progress, he has expanded into Hand Creek Cattle, a feeder to finish operation. The Stapel family maintains a diversified farming operation, enhancing economic, environmental, and social sustainability while connecting with consumers. In 2024, they launched Farm Stapels, an on-farm creamery delivering milk, yogurt, and ice cream in glass bottles to 250 households weekly. Brody's leadership extends to the national stage, serving as President of Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, the third largest dairy co-op in America. His influence reaches Washington, D.C., advocating for change in dairy policy, labor, labeling, foreign trade, and updating the dairy pricing system.
Carla & Daniel Trantham
Alabama
Daniel Trantham, along with his wife Carla, is a third-generation farmer based in Calhoun County, Alabama. Together with their family, they manage a thriving agricultural enterprise that spans a 1,600-acre row crop operation, an 800-head cow-calf herd, a 29,000-bale wheat straw business, and partnership in a local cotton gin. Their success is rooted in a commitment to diversification, adaptability, and overcoming challenges. With a focus on economic and environmental sustainability, they strive to meet local consumer demands while continually improving farming techniques.
