Dylan and Shelby Radke of Beltrami County were named the 2025 Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award contest winner, held during the organization’s annual meeting Nov. 20-22 in Minnetonka.

Dylan and Shelby operate a first-generation black angus cow-calf ranch and also manage a direct-to-consumer beef business and a thriving sleigh and carriage ride enterprise that brings the community together each winter. Their innovative approach to sustainable ranching including bale grazing, rotational grazing, and silvopasture practices has reduced feed costs and improved pasture productivity.

In addition to their ranching success, the Radkes are deeply involved in agricultural advocacy and leadership. Both serve actively with the Beltrami County Farm Bureau and on the Minnesota Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, helping to connect producers statewide and promote understanding between farmers and consumers. Shelby coordinates community events like agricultural trivia nights and the “Great Meat Cook-Off” at the county fair, while Dylan volunteers as a livestock judge and mentors local 4-H and FFA members.

The Radkes’ leadership extends well beyond the ranch. Dylan serves as president of the Go and Whoa Harness Club, coordinating community draft horse events, while Shelby works as a nurse at the local VA clinic, where she has been recognized with numerous honors for compassion and leadership. Together, they are passionate advocates for rural life, sustainable practices, and agricultural education for future generations.

The Achievement Award highlights efforts in production farming and leadership. Contestants are evaluated on a combination of their farming operation growth and financial progress of operation, Farm Bureau leadership, as well as leadership outside of Farm Bureau.

Dylan and Shelby advance to represent Minnesota at the national Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award competition, held during the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention Jan. 9-14, 2026 in Anaheim, Calif. They also receive a $1,000 cash award, an opportunity to participate in a MFBF Farmers to D.C. trip, and registration and lodging for the 2026 MFBF LEAP Conference.