Kentucky Farm Bureau Announces 2026 Young Farmers Excellence in Agriculture Award Winners
Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) is proud to announce that Cody and Angela Rakes of Marion County have been named the winners of its 2026 Young Farmers Excellence in Agriculture Award.
Each year, KFB honors individuals or couples between the ages of 18 and 35 who make significant contributions to agriculture through leadership, advocacy, and community involvement, even if their primary income doesn't come from farming. The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes those who positively represent Kentucky agriculture and KFB's values through their professional and personal endeavors.
Cody and Angela Rakes: Farm and Community Leaders
Cody Rakes grew up working on a beef cattle, tobacco, hay, and sweet corn farm alongside his grandfather, who sparked his passion for agriculture. Angela Rakes grew up on a beef cattle, tobacco, and hay farm, inspired by her mother, a lifelong full-time farmer. Cody holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education with a minor in plant and soil sciences, while Angela has a bachelor’s degree in community and leadership development with a minor in agricultural economics.
Cody serves as Director of Farm and Land at Loretto Motherhouse, overseeing an 800-acre farm owned by the Sisters of Loretto. He manages a diverse farming operation including beef cattle, hay, row crops, managed woodlands, conservation areas, and pumpkins, all while prioritizing conservation practices. Angela is the community’s part-time Education and Outreach Coordinator, hosting farmer field days, school and community groups, and marketing the Sisters' farm products. She and Cody also farm 65 acres of their own, raising cattle, laying hens, sheep, and goats on a pasture-based operation focused on soil health.
Both are active leaders in Marion County Farm Bureau, with Cody serving on the board of directors since 2015 and as County Young Farmer Committee Chair. Angela has served on the board since 2016, including as Secretary since 2019, and was once Women’s Chair. At the state level, Cody is on KFB’s Forages Advisory Committee and Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative Advisory Committee, and is an alternate on the Resolutions Committee.
Together, Cody and Angela reach more than 3,000 people annually through educational events, including the Back to School Ag Bash, now in its fifth year and drawing over 600 attendees. They also host farm tours, school field trips, and free farmer field days on topics like rotational grazing and forages.
Beyond Farm Bureau, Cody is President of the state’s Forage and Grasslands Council and Commissioner and Treasurer of the County Water Board. Angela is an avid 4-H volunteer, serves on the County Agricultural Development Board and Extension Advisory Council, and is Vice Chair of a local environmental sustainability nonprofit.
"We’re grateful to Kentucky Farm Bureau for this honor," said Angela Rakes. "Our goal is to help kids build an appreciation and connection to the land. We’ve seen firsthand that the ones who get involved with agriculture early are more likely to stay with it for life."
"Kentucky Farm Bureau is proud to recognize Cody and Angela Rakes for their dedication to agriculture and service to others," said KFB President Eddie Melton. "What stands out about Cody and Angela is their willingness to share what they know and help others succeed. Whether working with fellow farmers, students, or neighbors, they understand the importance of getting involved and giving back. That kind of commitment strengthens agriculture and the rural communities we call home."
As winners, the couple will receive a John Deere gato.