--- title: Spring 2026 OFA Spirit Newsletter description: The Spring 2023 OFA Spirit President reflects on a successful Appleton congress and emphasizes the importance of selfless service in agriculture. image: https://outstandingfarmers.com/hubfs/Class%20of%202026-2.jpg --- [![OFA Logo](https://outstandingfarmers.com/hubfs/OFA%20Logo.svg "OFA Logo")](http://44409111.hs-sites.com/outstanding-farmers-of-america) - [About](https://outstandingfarmers.com/about) - [Programs](https://outstandingfarmers.com/programs) Show submenu for Programs - [NOYF Awards](https://outstandingfarmers.com/noyf-awards) - [NOYF Nomination Form](https://outstandingfarmers.com/nomination-form) - [Convention](https://outstandingfarmers.com/convention) Show submenu for Convention - [Registration](https://creativemindsdata.regfox.com/2026-outstanding-farmers-of-america-convention) - [Sponsors](https://outstandingfarmers.com/sponsors) - [Membership](https://outstandingfarmers.com/membership) - [Sponsors](https://outstandingfarmers.com/sponsors) - [News](https://outstandingfarmers.com/news) - [Contact](https://outstandingfarmers.com/contact) - [About](https://outstandingfarmers.com/about) - [Programs](https://outstandingfarmers.com/programs) Show submenu for Programs - [NOYF Awards](https://outstandingfarmers.com/noyf-awards) - [NOYF Nomination Form](https://outstandingfarmers.com/nomination-form) - [Convention](https://outstandingfarmers.com/convention) Show submenu for Convention - [Registration](https://creativemindsdata.regfox.com/2026-outstanding-farmers-of-america-convention) - [Sponsors](https://outstandingfarmers.com/sponsors) - [Membership](https://outstandingfarmers.com/membership) - [Sponsors](https://outstandingfarmers.com/sponsors) - [News](https://outstandingfarmers.com/news) - [Contact](https://outstandingfarmers.com/contact) Posted By: [OFA Team](https://outstandingfarmers.com/news/author/ofa-team) May 18, 2026, 4:47:06 PM # Spring 2026 OFA Spirit Newsletter ## OFA announces class of 2026 winners   ![Class of 2026-2](https://outstandingfarmers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Class%20of%202026-2.jpg?width=420&height=280&name=Class%20of%202026-2.jpg) Hershey, PA – The 2026 National Outstanding Young Farmers (NOYF) of the Year finalists were recognized in Hershey, Pennsylvania at the 71st Annual Outstanding Farmers of America National Convention, February 4–7, 2026 at The Hotel Hershey. These farmers are active leaders in their communities, championing innovation, stewardship, and sustainable agricultural practices while creating bright futures for the next generation of agriculture. More than 30 nominations from across the nation were received from agricultural extension agents, family members, business owners, and other agricultural professionals. The quality of nominations continues to grow more impressive each year, reflecting the strength, dedication, and impact of young farmers across the country. Once nominations closed on September 1, 2025, materials were coordinated and sent to a panel of independent judges with detailed scoring sheets. After the scoring process was completed, the top ten finalists were determined and notified of their recognition. The ten finalists making up the Class of 2026 include Brandon and Nicole Raso of New Jersey; Todd and Meghan Selvik of Minnesota; J. Knapp Boddiford, III of Georgia; Tanner Hento of South Dakota; Mitchell and Rebecca Henry of Alabama; John and Rachel Bearden of Arkansas; Preston and Emily Cave of North Carolina; Wade and Abby Walters of Nebraska; Lindsay and Eric Baneck of Wisconsin; and Adam and Amanda Bunker of Wyoming. Finalists arrived in Hershey on an expense-paid trip to the convention, where they completed in-person judging and met other long-standing members of the OFA. The judging panel included the Officers of the OFA in addition to Scott Jensen, the Immediate Past President of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents and Samantha Gehrett, a Senior Extension Education in Dairy with Penn State. NOYF Coordinators Mary and Marlan Johnson work tirelessly throughout the year to promote applications, secure nominations and coordinate the judging process. Their efforts were recognized and acknowledged from the stage during the final banquet. Information about nominating and applying for the National Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year can be found on the OFA website at: www.OutstandingFarmers.com/NOYF-Awards. If you have questions, email nominations@ outstandingfarmers.com or call 918-477-7497. [Download the Full Version HERE!](https://outstandingfarmers.com/hubfs/OFA%20Spring%20Spirit%20Newsletter%202026_v04.pdf) Share this article: - - - - - [mailto:?subject='https://outstandingfarmers.com/news/spring-2026-ofa-spirit-newsletter'](mailto:?subject='https://outstandingfarmers.com/news/spring-2026-ofa-spirit-newsletter') ## Read On [![Spring 2023 OFA Spirit](https://outstandingfarmers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Spirit%20Issues/2023.png?width=352&name=2023.png)](https://outstandingfarmers.com/news/spring-2023-ofa-spirit) ### [Spring 2023 OFA Spirit Newsletter](https://outstandingfarmers.com/news/spring-2023-ofa-spirit) ## President looks forward to a busy year ahead with OFA [![Spring 2023 OFA Spirit](https://outstandingfarmers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Spirit%20Issues/2023.png?width=352&name=2023.png)](https://outstandingfarmers.com/news/spring-2023-ofa-spirit-0) ### [Spring 2025 OFA Spirit Newsletter](https://outstandingfarmers.com/news/spring-2023-ofa-spirit-0) ## OFA President looks ahead with vision [![](https://outstandingfarmers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/428191722_870428428215803_5566866002255581139_n.jpg?width=352&name=428191722_870428428215803_5566866002255581139_n.jpg)](https://outstandingfarmers.com/news/noyf-2024-awards-congress) ### [NOYF Class of 2024](https://outstandingfarmers.com/news/noyf-2024-awards-congress) **National Outstanding Young Farmers of America** [![OFA Logo](https://outstandingfarmers.com/hubfs/OFA%20Logo.svg "OFA Logo")](https://outstandingfarmers.com/) The premier recognition program of today's and tomorrow's agricultural professionals. **Navigation** - [About](https://outstandingfarmers.com/about) - [Programs](https://outstandingfarmers.com/programs) - [Convention](https://outstandingfarmers.com/convention) - [Membership](https://outstandingfarmers.com/noyf-awards) - [News](https://outstandingfarmers.com/news) - [Contact](https://outstandingfarmers.com/contact) **Contact ** Outstanding Farmers of America 5401 S Sheridan Road, Suite 301 Tulsa, OK 74145 [info@outstandingfarmers.com](mailto:info@outstandingfarmers.com) [(844) 672-7263](tel:(844)%20672-7263) © 2024 All rights reserved. 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