Des Moines, Iowa – John Wayne and his wife Sara of Gassaway, have been selected as a winner of the prestigious National Outstanding Young Farmer (NOYF) of the Year Award. This honor was presented to the Wayne’s at the Outstanding Farmers of America national convention in Des Moines, Iowa on February 8, at the Prairie Meadow Hotel. This award recognizes exceptional achievement in agriculture, dedication to conservation practices, and significant contributions to community development.
More than 30 nominations from across the nation were submitted for the highly competitive NOYF award. After an exhaustive review by OFA officers and an independent panel, a select group of semi-finalists emerged. The top ten finalists then earned an all-expense-paid trip to Des Moines, Iowa to attend the 70th annual OFA Convention – a gathering of over 200 industry professionals.
Upon arrival, John and Sara participated in a dinner where they had the opportunity to meet the other nine finalists. At the convention, they engaged in interviews conducted by a panel of seven judges from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, Buena Vista University and other farmers from New Mexico, Georgia and New Jersey. The announcement of winners then took place on February 8, during the convention’s closing banquet.
In addition to the Wayne’s, three other national winners from Georgia, Nebraska and New Jeresy were announced.
The Waynes have operated Wayne Cattle, LLC, a diversified farm, since 2009. Operations include a commercial cow herd, hay production, backgrounding stocker cattle, and retail meat sales. Over the past 15 years, the Wayne’s have grown their farm to include 60 commercial cows and 600 backgrounded calves, while expanding their hay acreage and building a successful direct-to-consumer meat business. They also market 55 beeves annually and supply pork and lamb, with wholesale sales to local grocery stores all while also maintaining a contract with a local food bank to provide high-quality protein to families in need.
As leaders in conservation, the Waynes have worked with NRCS to implement sustainable practices such as rotational grazing, water conservation, and nutrient management. Their efforts earned them the 2021 Conservation Farm award.
The OFA is committed to fostering innovation and sustainability in agriculture, connecting young farmers across the nation to exchange ideas, and championing efforts to advance the industry. With over 1,200 members, the OFA serves as a vital support network, celebrating achievements and driving positive change in American agriculture.
To be eligible for nomination, candidates must be between the ages of 21 and 40 and be active farm operators, earning at least two-thirds of their income from farming. Nominees are evaluated based on three key criteria: progress in their agricultural careers, implementation of soil and water conservation practices, and contributions to their community, state, and nation.
For more information about the Outstanding Farmers of America and the National Outstanding Young Farmer Award, their website www.outstandingfarmers.com.
Devoted to Braxton County, West Virginia
