(Anaheim, Calif.) – Jan. 12, 2026 – The winners of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture competition were announced today at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s National Convention closing general session. Megan Espinda, Indiana Farm Bureau member from Henry County, placed third in the competition.

The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from a farming operation but who actively contribute and grow their involvement in Farm Bureau, the agriculture industry and other community organizations.

As the third-place winner, Espinda will receive a $2,500 Investing in Your Future cash prize from AmericanAg, a Case IH-branded safe, courtesy of Case IH, as well as $2,500 worth of Stanley Black & Decker merchandise, courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker. 

“Winning this award is an incredible honor because it represents more than just my individual efforts,” said Espinda. “It reflects the strength of the Farm Bureau community and the support of people who have invested in me along the way.”

Espinda grew up on a sixth-generation family farm in Henry County, but she now applies that experience to her role as agricultural liaison for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). In the role, she serves as a bridge between farmers and regulators, ensuring that policies are fair, practical and supportive of the long-term viability of agriculture.

She is also active in her local agricultural community, serving as the Henry County Farm Bureau education and outreach coordinator. She resides in Greenfield, Indiana, with her husband.

Espinda had the opportunity to compete at the national level because she won the Indiana Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award at the Indiana Ag Gathering in December.

“Indiana Farm Bureau is so proud of what Megan has accomplished,” said Randy Kron, INFB president. “Her dedication to Indiana agriculture and the hard work she put into representing our organization so well sets a great example for other young farmers in our state.”

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About Indiana Farm Bureau: For more than 100 years, Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB) has promoted agriculture in Indiana through public education, member engagement, and by advocating for agricultural and rural needs. As the state’s largest general farm organization, INFB works diligently to ensure a farmer’s right to farm—protecting the livelihood, land, equipment, animals and crops of Hoosier farmers—because agriculture is vital to Indiana’s economy. Learn more at INFB.org