Kentucky Farmers Win State Agriculture Excellence Award
Cody and Angela Rakes are honored for their leadership and educational contributions to Kentucky agriculture.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Organic Food
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Cody and Angela Rakes of Marion County have been named the winners of the 2026 Kentucky Farm Bureau Young Farmers Excellence in Agriculture Award. The couple manages an 800-acre farm and a 65-acre pasture-based operation while promoting agricultural education to thousands of residents annually.
Why it matters
The award recognizes young agricultural professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, advocacy, and community service. By engaging over 3,000 people annually through educational initiatives, the Rakes represent a growing movement of farmers dedicated to connecting local communities with sustainable agricultural practices.
The award is open to farmers and advocates aged 18 to 35 who prioritize soil health and community outreach. The Rakes operate a 65-acre farm raising cattle, sheep, goats, and laying hens while managing an additional 800 acres at the Loretto Motherhouse.
The players
Cody Rakes
He is a Kentucky farmer who manages an 800-acre farm at the Loretto Motherhouse and serves on the Marion County Farm Bureau board.
Angela Rakes
She is an agricultural advocate who serves as the secretary for the Marion County Farm Bureau board of directors.
Kentucky Farm Bureau
This is a statewide organization representing 475,000 member families that advocates for the interests of Kentucky farmers and rural residents.
Keeley Cooper
She placed second in the state competition and received a $1,000 prize for her contributions to agriculture.
Amber Carpenter
She placed third in the state competition and received a $500 prize.
The details
The couple has served on the Marion County Farm Bureau board of directors since 2015 and 2016, respectively, with Angela serving as secretary since 2019. Their commitment to agricultural education is highlighted by community programs such as the Back to School Ag Bash, which is now in its fifth year.
Timeline
Cody Rakes joined the Marion County Farm Bureau board in 2015.
Angela Rakes joined the board in 2016.
Angela Rakes began serving as board secretary in 2019.
The couple won the state Excellence in Agriculture Award in 2026.
The pair will compete in the national competition in January 2027.
Culture Shift
The recognition of the Rakes reflects a broader movement toward soil-health focused, pasture-based farming models among younger agricultural producers. This shift prioritizes community-integrated education over traditional commodity-only production methods, aligning with modern consumer interest in local, transparent food systems.
Residents in the area can engage with the Rakes' ongoing agricultural education programs, which reach 3,000 people annually through initiatives like the Back to School Ag Bash. These programs provide direct opportunities for families to learn about sustainable farming and regional food production practices.
The takeaway
The Rakes' success underscores the growing importance of combining technical farm management with community outreach and advocacy. Aspiring agricultural leaders can look to their model of long-term board service and hands-on educational programming as a pathway for industry recognition.
What happens next
The Rakes will advance to the national Excellence in Agriculture competition held during the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in January 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local farming efforts on our Organic Food page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lane Report | Kentucky Business & Economic News.
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