We celebrate American agriculture.

DTN/Progressive Farmer’s America’s Best Young Farmers and Ranchers program recognizes the next generation of entrepreneurs who are building potent agricultural businesses and who bring positive change to their communities.

Now in its 16th year, we are looking for the next class of America’s Best Young Farmers and Ranchers.

Nominate someone below or complete the application for yourself.

America’s Best Young Farmers and Ranchers accepts nominees who are 40 years old or younger in calendar year 2025, who demonstrate innovation and imagination on their farm or ranch.

Five young farmer or rancher honorees and their guests receive an all-expense-paid, three-day trip where you will meet industry experts and exchange ideas about business development, markets and how to build a strong family unit on the farm or ranch.

Each honoree will receive a plaque and be recognized in a special publication of Progressive Farmer magazine and online.

2026 - ABYFR Application Form


  • Please answer the following questions:

  • Tell us about yourself or your nominee (go back a few generations if you want).*

  • Are you or the nominee connected on social media? What are some links you would like us to see?*

  • Tell us about you or your nominee’s farm/ranch. What are the challenges? Successes?*

  • How are you or your nominee building the business? *

  • Describe a production or management practice you or your nominee implemented that positively had an impact on the business. *

  • What inspires you day to day about your operation? What keeps you motivated? If you are nominating someone, what inspires you about that person’s operation? *

  • Who are your mentors (someone important to you or to your nominee)? Tell us about them and the value they bring to your enterprise and your work.*

  • How are you or your nominee working to make even one more thing better in your community?*

  • This program is called America’s Best Young Farmers and Ranchers. What makes your nominee or you one of the best of their generation?*

We will be accepting applications and nominations through Friday, April 11, 2025. Please contact Dan Miller with any questions.
Dan Miller
Senior Editor
DTN/Progressive Farmer
[email protected]
Phone: 205-613-6088