Easton & Josey Harris of Richfield, Sevier County were the winners of the Utah Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) ‘Achievement Award’. The award was presented at the recent Utah Farm Bureau Annual Convention and is considered the top honor for young farmers and ranchers in Utah.

The YF&R program helps young Farm Bureau members shape their future—and the future of American agriculture—through leadership development and personal growth opportunities. Members participate in three competitive programs that highlight leadership experience, communication skills, and successful business management as they compete against top young agricultural leaders from across the state.

Easton & Josey Harris, with Utah Farm Bureau leaders and reps from Stotz Equipment & Western AgCredit

The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who have demonstrated excellence in their agricultural operations while also developing strong leadership skills. Participants must be actively engaged in production agriculture, with the majority of their income subject to normal production risks.

“We were thrilled to win this award,” said Josey Harris. “We’re grateful for all that Farm Bureau has offered us through education, experiences, and knowledge, and we’re excited to represent our county and state at the national level.”

Contestants are evaluated on the growth and financial progress of their operations, leadership within Farm Bureau and their communities, and overall excellence in management, initiative, and scope of enterprise. More specifically, the judges look for excellence in management, growth and scope of the enterprise and self-initiative that are displayed throughout the operation.

Easton and Josey live and farm in Richfield, where they grow sod and landscape products used throughout the state. As third-generation farmers, the Harrises partner with Easton’s parents in the family operation.

The couple are strong advocates for agriculture and are passionate about helping people in their community and beyond better understand how food is grown and produced.

“Competing for this award helped us refine our agricultural business and grow as advocates for our industry,” said Easton Harris. “It was a great learning experience, especially alongside so many outstanding candidates. It really shows the quality of young agricultural leaders we have in Utah.”

The Harrises, representing the Sevier County Farm Bureau, competed with other contestants from around the state for the award. For winning the Achievement Award, they received a John Deere Gator ATV courtesy of Western AgCredit and Stotz Equipment and will receive an expense-paid trip to the national American Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer & Rancher Conference in Portland, Oregon, this spring.

Easton and Josey will also compete against Achievement Award winners from across the nation at the American Farm Bureau annual convention in Anaheim, California in January. National winners of the Achievement Award receive $35,000 credit towards a new Ford vehicle, courtesy of Ford. The runner-up receives $25,000 credit towards a new Case IH piece of equipment, courtesy of Case IH. Others receive prizes courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker.