LOUISVILLE, KY (Oct. 22, 2025) — Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) is proud to announce that Brandon Gilles of Daviess County has been named the winner of its 2025 Young Farmers Excellence in Agriculture Award.

Each year, KFB honors individuals or couples under the age of 35 who make significant contributions to agriculture through leadership, advocacy and community involvement even though the majority of their income is earned off the farm. The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes those who positively represent Kentucky agriculture and the values of Farm Bureau through their professional and personal endeavors.

Gilles, a fifth-generation farmer, serves as Regional Vice President of Crop Insurance for Farm Credit Mid-America and farms part time on his family’s row crop and cattle operation. Deeply rooted in Kentucky agriculture, Gilles is known for his leadership within the organization and the community. He currently serves as First Vice President of the Daviess County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and County Young Farmer Chair. He is a recent graduate of the Kentucky Farm Bureau LEAD program.

Beyond his professional role, Gilles has hosted numerous farm tours to promote agricultural awareness — welcoming community members, students and national leaders to his family’s operation. He has also played a leading role in local farm-to-table initiatives, connecting producers and consumers to strengthen appreciation for Kentucky agriculture.

In addition to his leadership in KFB, Gilles serves on the Owensboro Community and Technical College Foundation Board, the Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee and the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Alumni Board. His broad community involvement demonstrates a lifelong commitment to education, mentorship and advancing the agricultural industry.

“Agriculture is more than a profession — it’s a legacy and a way of life that has shaped my values and work ethic,” he said.

As this year’s winner, Gilles will receive a John Deere side-by-side from Farm Credit Mid-America and will represent Kentucky in the national competition at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in January 2026.

Second place was awarded to Keeley Cooper of Madison County, who received $400 from KFB, and third place went to Kendall Bowman of Owen County, who received $300.

For more information about the program, click HERE. To download a photo of Gilles, click HERE.