Gaddys Excel as State’s Top Competitors in National YF&R Competition
Copiah County’s Garrett and Kortney Gaddy made Mississippi Farm Bureau history this week, earning fourth place nationally in the Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Excellence in Agriculture Competition during the 2026 American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim, California.
Their fourth-place finish marks the highest placement ever achieved by a Mississippi competitor in the Excellence in Agriculture contest—an achievement that reflects not only professional success, but also deep commitment to agriculture, Farm Bureau leadership, and service to their community and state.
“I’m thankful to share our story on the American Farm Bureau stage,” said Kortney. “Not only to make it into the Top 10, but to be number four in the nation — it feels really good.”
The Excellence in Agriculture competition recognizes young agricultural leaders who are actively engaged in farming or agribusiness but do not receive the majority of their income directly from production agriculture. Competitors advance through rigorous rounds of judging, including presentations that highlight their involvement in agriculture, leadership roles within Farm Bureau, and efforts to strengthen rural communities.
But the competition wasn’t just about public speaking or presentations. It was a chance to exchange ideas with peers from across the country.
“We spent a lot of time talking to competitors from other states about things that we do and things that they do,” Kortney said. “We can learn from each other.”
Throughout the national competition, the Gaddys stood out for their passion for agriculture, the diverse ways they have been and continue to be involved in the industry, and their dedication to leadership. Their presentation showcased how Farm Bureau involvement has shaped their professional paths and empowered them to give back—both on and off the farm.
Their YF&R involvement also helped them grow outside of their comfort zone, inspiring their strong message about agriculture and Farm Bureau, despite the vulnerability that often comes with storytelling.
“It’s nerve-wracking to get up there and talk about yourself,” admitted Garrett. “But it gets easier as we get more involved. We’ve done a lot of awesome things through Farm Bureau, so it’s easier to talk about those experiences and encourage other people to get involved.”
Garrett and Kortney are fourth-generation cattle farmers from Crystal Springs, where they are raising their two children with a firsthand appreciation for agriculture and rural life. Both have previously served on the Mississippi Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers State Committee, contributing time and leadership to help grow and strengthen the next generation of agricultural advocates.
Garrett serves as a Nursery Production Specialist for Weyerhaeuser, where he oversees a 17-million-cavity container nursery supporting forestry operations across the region. He is also active in agricultural leadership, serving on his County Farm Bureau Board and as a Regional Vice President of the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association.
Kortney is the Chief Financial Officer of Copiah County Medical Center and a Certified Public Accountant. Her professional work in rural healthcare intersects with her passion for agriculture through her service on the State Farm Bureau Health Plan Board, where she helps guide initiatives that support the well-being of farm families and rural communities across Mississippi.
Their national recognition reflects the strength of Mississippi’s young agricultural leaders and the impact Farm Bureau involvement can have in developing informed, engaged advocates for agriculture.
Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation congratulates Garrett and Kortney Gaddy on this historic achievement and thanks them for representing Mississippi agriculture with excellence on the national stage.