By Andi Anderson
Denver Davis of Auglaize County has been named the 2026 Excellence in Agriculture Award winner through Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals program.
The announcement was made on Jan. 24 during the Young Agricultural Professionals Winter Leadership Experience.
The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young agricultural professionals who do not earn most of their income from direct farm production but make meaningful contributions to agriculture through leadership involvement and industry engagement.
The program highlights individuals who actively support Farm Bureau and work to strengthen agriculture in their communities.
Davis is a sixth generation farmer and agribusiness owner. He helps operate a diversified family farm while also running a cover crop seed cleaning business and a family owned full service insurance agency.
In 2025, he expanded his work by becoming a licensed Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans agent, helping farmers and rural small business owners access affordable health coverage.
His leadership extends beyond business operations. Davis serves as treasurer of the Auglaize County Farm Bureau and regularly organizes on farm roundtables and tours for elected officials.
He also hosts farm to table benefit dinners and takes part in Ohio Farm Bureau Ag Day at the Capitol, along with state and national policy programs focused on conservation.
Davis is deeply involved in community service. He serves as a supervisor on the Auglaize County Soil and Water Conservation District Board and works as a farmer leader in The Nature Conservancy’s Ohio Agriculture Ambassador Program.
He also serves on an advisory panel for the Midwest Electric Community Connection Member Engagement Group and volunteers with the Big Deb Classic Fishing Tournament, which raises funds for pancreatic cancer research.
In addition, he mentors students and fellow farmers, focusing on leadership development and balancing farm profitability with soil and water health.
As the award winner, Davis receives a $3,000 cash prize, an expense paid trip to the 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, and an expense paid trip to the 2027 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Charlotte North Carolina. The prize package is sponsored by Nationwide and Farm Credit Mid America.
The Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professionals program supports leadership development for members ages 18 to 35 through conferences travel experiences and competitive events.
Photo Credit: ohio-farm-bureau
Categories: Ohio, General