Hargrove Named This Year’s Excellence in Agriculture Winner
Two Tennessee young farmers were named national Young Farmers & Ranchers winners during the 105th annual meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation – Justin Hargrove (33) in the Excellence in Agriculture contest and Matthew McClanahan (35) in the Discussion Meet.
Bringing home national honors in the Excellence in Agriculture contest, Justin Hargrove is an Extension agent in Benton County and a third-generation farmer in Camden where he raises beef cattle alongside his father on Hargrove Farms. He and his wife, Alli, are proud to be raising the next generation with their son, Inman. Hargrove has been involved in YF&R since he was 18 and could join the organization and has served on the local and state level in various capacities since. The Excellence in Agriculture award recognizes young farmers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation, but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations. Hargrove competed against 26 contestants from across the country to be named national winner.
Matthew McClanahan was named national winner in the Discussion Meet, a contest that simulates a committee meeting in which active discussion and participation are expected. Participants are evaluated on their ability to exchange ideas and information on a predetermined topic. As a dedicated farmer, lawyer and pastor, McClanahan and his wife, Lauren, are proud to be the third generation to live on his family’s Polled Hereford beef cattle farm in Cumberland County. McClanahan is a managing partner and lawyer of McClanahan & Winston, P.C. and serves as the executive director of the Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts. He has been involved in YF&R for many years, serving on the state committee and participating in AFBF’s 10thPartners in Advocacy Leadership class. McClanahan competed against 37 contestants from across the country to be named national winner.
As national winners, Hargrove and McClanahan receive $35,000 in credit toward a new Ford vehicle, as well as paid registration to the AFBF FUSION Conference, which will be held March 8-11 in Omaha, Nebraska. Both prizes are provided by Ford Motor Company.
Read more at Tennessee Farm Bureau.