Fourteen new and established ag producers traveled to College Station to compete for a share of $50,000 in prize money as finalists in the Capital Farm Credit GROW your AgriRoots Contest.
Over a two-day period, the finalists gave overviews of their operations and explained what the prize money would do for their operations. The projects varied widely and included installing water wells for grazing cattle, diversifying herds by adding sheep, goats and cattle, developing agritourism ventures such as flower picking and photography, crafting lotions and balms from beef tallow, aging beef to improve meat quality after processing, and harvesting honey to make cider and mead.
“The GROW your AgriRoots finalists represent the best of the next generation of agriculture. Their passion, innovation and commitment to their operations and communities give us great confidence in the future of our industry,” said Jeff Norte, president and CEO of Capital Farm Credit. “Whether they are just beginning their journey or building on years of experience, these producers have demonstrated excellence in leadership, financial responsibility and agricultural entrepreneurship. We are honored to support their continued growth.”
Four finalists were chosen to receive the top prize of $10,000, two in each category: Rising Star, for ag producers with up to two years of experience, and Trailblazer, for those with two to 10 years of experience.
“The GROW your AgriRoots Contest is about more than prize money. It gives participants an opportunity to reflect on their progress, refine their business plans and think strategically about the future of their operations,” said Allyson Tjoelker, senior vice president of Mission and YBS. “What impressed us most was the vision these finalists have for their operations. From expanding production to creating new opportunities through agritourism and diversification, they are finding innovative ways to strengthen agriculture for the future.”
Meet our winners!
Trailblazer Award
Pamela Garrett – Pamela Garrett is the founder of A Stable Learning LLC, an innovative farm-based educational program in San Benito, Texas. After 15 years in public education, she stepped beyond the traditional classroom to create a space where learning and agriculture come together through equine-assisted learning, sensory play and hands-on experiences.
Garrett serves children of all abilities, including those with autism and learning disabilities, as well as families and veterans. Through meaningful interactions with animals and nature, she helps participants build confidence, emotional regulation, and essential life skills while creating an inclusive environment where learning extends far beyond the classroom.
She plans to use the funds for a wheelchair-accessible mounting ramp, a therapeutic saddle, adaptive riding equipment, raised garden beds, sensory regulation spaces and mini-Hereford integration supplies like feeding stations and handling equipment.
Amie Cortez – Cortez is a multigenerational cattle rancher dedicated to growing her operation and promoting the importance of the beef industry. Raised in South Texas, she grew up alongside her father as he transitioned from dryland farming to full-time cattle ranching, learning the industry firsthand.
After earning her B.S. in Agricultural Education from Sul Ross State University, Amie began building her own cattle herd through leased land across Medina County. She also serves as a volunteer commercial heifer superintendent for her local stock show, helping youth understand beef cattle production and inspiring the next generation to develop a lasting connection to agriculture.
She will use her award money to focus on safety by purchasing a truck bed spreader for fly prevention, mountable cube feeder and remote livestock treatment dart system.
Rising Star Award
Lane Golla – Golla is a fifth-generation South Texas farmer and rancher dedicated to producing high-quality, locally raised beef through Golla Meats. Combining generations of practical ranching experience with education in animal and meat science, he focuses on genetics, nutrition and low-stress handling practices that support cattle performance and beef quality.
Golla’s hands-on approach prioritizes tenderness, marbling, flavor and consistency while strengthening the connection between the ranch, its customers, and the food they consume. Through continued investment in cattle, facilities, and post-harvest practices, he is committed to expanding access to exceptional, locally raised beef at a competitive, value-driven price.
With his award money, he will purchase permanent water troughs, build a trailer barn and make improvements to his fencing, holding pens and storage.
Brooke Moreland – Moreland is a lifelong cattlewoman building her own cow-calf operation in San Saba, Texas. Raised in the livestock and rodeo industries, she learned cattle care, management and marketing from her father, Ryon.
After earning her agribusiness degree from Tarleton State University, she became a partner in her family’s cow-calf operation and later helped expand into yearling preconditioning. Through hands-on experience managing cattle, operating equipment and caring for calves, she has built the skills and connections needed to take the next step. Today, Moreland is using that experience to establish an operation of her own and build a strong agricultural future for her family.
With the award money, she plans to purchase a registered bull and electronic tracking devices to improve the quality of her herd while keeping meticulous records of their care.
Finalists receiving $1,000 were:
Tara Henne, Shaggy Girls Cattle Company
Greg and Teresa Taylor, 5T Farm
Laurie and Ashley Byrd, Flyer B Farm
Ty and Denise Lambert, Lazy 5 Hay and Hauling
Haegan Spring, 7R Ranch
Jesse and Daniela Reyes, Three Kings Farm
Katie and Angela Cardenas, Rancho Encino Floral
David Mejia and Genesis Salgado, 98 Farms
Jace Shrader, The Shrader Stampede
Chad McLaren, McLaren Land & Cattle
About Capital Farm Credit
For more than 100 years, Capital Farm Credit has supported rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services that include home, land and agribusiness lending; equipment and facilities leasing, and insurance for crops and livestock. Capital Farm Credit is a proud member of the Farm Credit System with more than 600 employees, serving over 24,500 members and more than $13 billion in loan volume.
Since 2006, CFC has returned $3.1 billion in combined cash and allocated equities to its members. Headquartered in College Station, Texas, Capital Farm Credit has offices serving 192 of Texas’ 254 counties. For more information about financial services or our cooperative returns program, visit CapitalFarmCredit.com.