Kentucky Farmers Win State Excellence Award
Local farmers Cody and Angela Rakes are recognized for their work in agricultural education and soil management.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Organic Food
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Cody and Angela Rakes of Marion County have won the 2026 Kentucky Farm Bureau Young Farmers Excellence in Agriculture Award. The couple is recognized for their commitment to agricultural education, reaching over 3,000 individuals each year through programs like the annual Back to School Ag Bash.
Why it matters
The award highlights the role of young farmers in advocating for agricultural health and community education within Kentucky. It underscores the importance of grassroots efforts in fostering public understanding of pasture-based farming and soil health management.
The award process evaluated annual community outreach and leadership, with winners Cody and Angela Rakes reaching 3,000 people per year. This competitive selection process recognized their contributions among the 475,000 member families of the Kentucky Farm Bureau.
The players
Cody Rakes
A farmer managing 800 acres at the Loretto Motherhouse and a board member of the Marion County Farm Bureau.
Angela Rakes
A farm operator and the board secretary for the Marion County Farm Bureau.
Kentucky Farm Bureau
An organization representing 475,000 families that promotes agriculture and public education.
The details
Cody and Angela Rakes operate a 65-acre, pasture-based farm dedicated to raising cattle, laying hens, sheep, and goats while prioritizing soil health. Cody also manages an 800-acre farm at the Loretto Motherhouse, applying these agricultural principles on a larger scale. Their work centers on advocacy and education, specifically through community events that teach the public about local agricultural systems.
Timeline
2015: Cody Rakes joined the Marion County Farm Bureau board of directors.
2016: Angela Rakes joined the Marion County Farm Bureau board.
2019: Angela Rakes began serving as board secretary.
2026: The Rakes won the state Excellence in Agriculture Award.
January 2027: The Rakes will compete in the national competition.
Health Landscape
The Kentucky Farm Bureau Young Farmers Excellence in Agriculture Award incentivizes a new generation of producers to lead in agricultural advocacy. This program tracks with national efforts to bridge the gap between pasture-based food systems and public understanding of sustainable land management.
Supporting local, pasture-based farms can be a way to source produce and animal products managed with a focus on soil health. Readers interested in the practices behind their food can look for educational opportunities at local farm days or agricultural events in their county.
The takeaway
Agricultural education remains a critical tool for connecting families to the sources of their food. Consumers can support the local food system by attending regional farm days to learn how pasture-based soil management impacts the quality of the products they purchase.
What happens next
The Rakes are scheduled to compete in the national Excellence in Agriculture competition at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in January 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local farming efforts by visiting the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lane Report | Kentucky Business & Economic News.
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