The Shadow
SAN ANTONIO, TX (VR)—Morgan Slaven of Augusta County captured second place in the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award competition.
Slaven received the recognition Jan. 27 during the 2025 AFBF Annual Convention in San Antonio. She had been named the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Excellence in Agriculture Award winner in July 2024.
The award recognizes young farmers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation, but who are actively involved in supporting agriculture and participating in Farm Bureau leadership.
Slaven said the national award recognition was an exciting moment for her. “There were 24 other competitors running for this really prestigious title, and to stand up there and be recognized among the top of the top was amazing.”
She serves as manager of governance and executive affairs for Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative while managing a 40-head commercial hair sheep flock on her Augusta farm.
Slaven previously represented the Shenandoah Valley and served as the vice chair of the VFBF Young Farmers Committee. She currently chairs her county Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers Committee and is vice president of her county Farm Bureau board.
Her brother, cattleman Marshall Slaven of Augusta, competed in the AFBF Discussion Meet competition during the convention. The Discussion Meet is designed to simulate a county Farm Bureau meeting in which members discuss problems and develop possible solutions.
Tobacco, grain and beef cattle farmer Bradley Ragsdale of Pittsylvania County competed in the AFBF Achievement Award competition.
The award recognizes outstanding young farmers for their business success and volunteer involvement, while helping them evaluate their business plans and set goals to strengthen their farming operations.
