HERSHEY, Pa. — Outstanding Farmers of America (OFA) announced today that Lindsay and Eric
Baneck of Helenville, Wisconsin 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 & 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.

For more information, visit www.outstandingfarmers.com or email info@outstandingfarmers.com.

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Kelly McElroy, Administrator, Outstanding Farmers of America