Texas Farm Credit Announces Youth Ag Video Showcase Winners

Texas Farm Credit announced the winners of their Youth Ag Video Showcase and recipients of the $20,000 cash pot prize.

The showcase encouraged local youth to submit a 2-3 minute video spotlighting their agricultural project. This contest was developed by Texas Farm Credit in order to support the passion of ag students in lieu of canceled stock shows and other ag-related events due to COVID-19.

The entries were judged by an employee selection committee using the contest scorecard located on the showcase webpage. The scorecard gave points for overall presentation, creativity, design, content, and organization.

Judging committee chair members Sarah Franklin and Jess Yeaman said, “The future of agriculture is bright! We were very impressed with the quality of videos we received, and we are so proud of the youth. We wish them the best in all of their future endeavors and encourage them to continue working hard.”

By all indications, this inaugural contest was a success. In a survey that was sent to all participants, we captured this anonymous feedback: “I really enjoyed this opportunity! Thank y’all so much for giving us 4-H and FFA members something to look forward to despite the current challenges.” And other participant said, “This gave our youth a chance to advocate for the industry we hold so dear, while also showcasing our achievements!”

Junior Division Winners

• Grand Champion – Bridger Ethridge– $2,500 prize + $1,250 donation
• Reserve Grand Champion – McKenzie Speer – $1,500 prize + $750 donation
• 3rd Place – Aiden Walker – $1,000 prize + $500 donation
• 4th Place – Carlee Hoffmann – $750 prize + $350 donation
• 5th Place – Avery Meredith – $500 prize + $250 donation
• 6th Place – Olivia Trammell – $400 prize
• 7th Place – Mason Meredith – $300 prize
• 8th Place – Crista Zirkel – $200 prize

Senior Division Winners

• Grand Champion – Amanda Hoffmann – $2,500 prize + $1,250 donation
• Reserve Grand Champion – Caleb Miller– $1,500 prize + $750 donation
• 3rd Place – Brooke Bimslager – $1,000 prize + $500 donation
• 4th Place – Reed Thorn – $750 prize + $350 donation
• 5th Place – Rylee Blacksher – $500 prize + $250 donation
• 6th Place – Rachel Lewis – $400 prize
• 7th Place – Sarah Beth Brittain – $300 prize
• 8th Place – Brooke Mitcham – $200 prize

The donations listed above will be made to the 4H club or FFA chapter of the winner’s choice.

The Youth Ag Video Showcase is part of Texas Farm Credit’s Passion Forward program which has a goal of giving backing 2% of their annual net income to local communities each year.

Texas Farm Credit finances agricultural operations, agribusinesses, homes and rural real estate, and offers a variety of insurance services. Headquartered in Robstown, Texas, it serves 100 Texas counties and is part of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of rural lending cooperatives established in 1916.