Outstanding Farmers of America (OFA) has announced that John and Rachel Bearden of Arkadelphia, Arkansas have been named finalists for the 2026 National Outstanding Young Farmer of America (NOYF) Award.
The 2026 finalists are:
Mitchell and Rebecca Henry, Moulton, Alabama; John and Rachel Bearden, Arkadelphia, Arkansas; Knapp Boddiford III, Sylvania, Georgia; Todd and Meghan Selvik, Waseca, Minnesota; Preston and Emily Cave, Dobson, North Carolina; Wade and Abby Walters, Shickley, Nebraska; Brandon and Nichole Raso, Hammonton, New Jersey; Tanner Hento, Avon, South Dakota; Lindsay and Eric Baneck, Helenville, Wisconsin; and Adam and Amanda Bunker, Sheridan, Wyoming.
Nominations were submitted from across the United States by a nationwide network of county extension agents with the National Association of County Extension Agents, as well as members of OFA, former NOYF winners, and agricultural industry professionals. Nominations may be submitted by anyone, and while multiple nominations from a single state are allowed, no more than two finalists may represent any one state.
Eligible nominees must be between the ages of 21 and 40, not turning 41 prior to January 1, must be active farm operators, and must derive at least two-thirds of their income from farming. Nominees are evaluated based on progress in their agricultural careers (50%), soil and water conservation practices (25%), and contributions to their communities, states, and the nation (25%).
“There are challenges in agriculture today, but there are also opportunities. These 10 finalists exemplify their ability to take on challenges, their love for their families and communities, and their desire to improve their operation for generations to come,” said Mary Johnson, National Outstanding Young Farmer of America coordinator. “These finalists represent the best of American farming. This award recognizes their hard work and dedication while welcoming them into Outstanding Farmers of America, where they can connect and network with top farmers from across the country.”
The finalists were notified in December and invited to attend the 2026 Outstanding Farmers of America Convention, scheduled for Feb. 4–7 in Hershey, Pennsylvania. During the convention, finalists will participate in in-person interviews to determine four honorees who will be named the National Outstanding Young Farmers of the Year for 2026. Winners will be announced during the final banquet on Saturday, Feb. 7.
All finalists attend the convention with travel and expenses fully covered. More than 200 farmers from across the United States are expected to attend the annual OFA Convention, which includes educational sessions, agricultural tours, and networking opportunities celebrating the NOYF Class of 2026.