AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — Virginia’s next generation of agricultural leaders garnered national praise at the recent American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers competitions in Anaheim.

Augusta County couple Clay and Paula Craun Greene took third place in the AFBF Achievement Award competition. During a live presentation to judges, they showcased their backgrounds, contributions, barriers and victories in agriculture.

The Achievement 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.

The couple farms full-time on their multi-generational family farms. Paula works on her family’s dairy and beef operation while Clay assists with his family’s beef cattle farm, where they raise cow-calf pairs and background feeder cattle. He also operates a custom work enterprise and retails hay and forage supplies.

They also serve on the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Committee; Clay serves on the Augusta County Farm Bureau board; and Paula is a member of the VFBF Dairy Advisory Committee, in addition to other Farm Bureau leadership roles.

During their presentation to judges, the Greenes shared how they have helped operate, expand and improve the efficiency of their families’ operations while growing their own farm operation and custom operating enterprise.

Clay returned to the family farm in 2011 and has played a key role in the cattle operation and growing the farm’s custom services. Since joining the operation full time in 2018, Paula has made efforts to modernize the dairy through strategic investments and management improvements, resulting in increased production and efficiency.

When they’re not farming, they serve as agriculture advocates by frequently participating in county and state Farm Bureau initiatives, staying active in other organizations and advocacy groups, and regularly hosting educational tours at the dairy farm. They also are graduates of the Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results program.

The couple hopes to acquire additional land for their farming operation and diversify their income in the short-term. Clay also works toward improving feeder cattle data management, streamlining individual animal performance tracking, and further developing his leadership skills. Paula focuses on upgrading her family’s dairy cow wellness tracking system, upgrading facilities and promoting healthy communication.

The Greenes are driven by a shared passion for enhancing their families’ farm operations and carrying forward the tradition of agriculture for future generations.

The couple will receive a $2,500 Investing in Your Future cash prize from AmericanAg, a Case IH-branded safe, courtesy of Case IH, as well as $2,500 worth of Stanley Black & Decker merchandise, courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker.