Rural Impact Awards Program
“Celebrating Excellence in Rural America.”
At Ranch House Designs, we are dedicated to celebrating the heart of rural America. Our Rural Impact Awards program shines a spotlight on the individuals, businesses, and organizations that make a profound impact on rural life and agriculture.
The Rural Impact Awards honor excellence across a wide range of categories, from community leadership and innovation to business success and cultural contributions. Whether you're a rural entrepreneur, a family farm, or a passionate advocate for agriculture, these awards are designed to highlight the diversity and strength of rural America. The awards are selected by nominations from the agricultural community, then voted on, and presented each year in January.
Award Categories
People Awards
- Rural Leader of the Year - Recognizing an individual who has made an outstanding impact on their rural community or industry.
- Rural Educator of the Year - Honoring a teacher, mentor, or educator making a difference in rural schools or communities.
- Family Farm of the Year - Acknowledging a family farm whose contributions have significantly impacted rural life.
- Influencer of the Year - For individuals promoting the rural lifestyle through social media, blogs, podcasts, or other related platforms.
- Physician of the Year - Recognizing a physician dedicated to improving healthcare access and quality in rural areas.
- Journalist of the Year - Honoring a journalist or media professional shining a spotlight on rural stories.
- Photographer of the Year - Celebrating photographers capturing the beauty, challenges, and triumphs of rural life.
- Ranch of the Year - Honoring an exemplary ranch excelling in management, sustainability, or innovation.
- Crop Producer of the Year - Highlighting exceptional work in crop farming, from row crops to specialty crops.
- Agricultural Lawyer of the Year - Honoring a legal professional providing exceptional service and advocacy for agricultural and rural communities.
- Auctioneer of the Year - Celebrating an auctioneer excelling in livestock, equipment, or rural property auctions and demonstrating professionalism and community impact.
Business & Industry Awards
- Rural Entrepreneur Award - Honoring a business leader whose enterprise has significantly impacted a rural community.
- Sustainable Farming Award - Highlighting excellence in environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture practices.
- Farm-to-Table Excellence Award - Celebrating businesses bringing locally sourced rural products to the table.
- Feed Store of the Year - Honoring exceptional customer service and support in the feed industry.
- Feed Company of the Year - Recognizing innovative products or services within the feed sector.
- Western Wear Store of the Year - Celebrating a retailer excelling in providing rural and Western-style apparel.
- Veterinary Clinic of the Year - Honoring a clinic providing exceptional care to livestock and pets in rural areas.
- Livestock Market of the Year - Recognizing excellence in livestock auction barns, trading and market operations.
- Steakhouse of the Year - Honoring a standout steakhouse showcasing rural pride through its menu and hospitality.
- BBQ Joint of the Year - Celebrating rural America’s best barbecue spot.
- Event Venue of the Year - Recognizing a rural venue excelling in hospitality and service for community events.
- Mexican Food Restaurant of the Year - Highlighting an outstanding rural restaurant serving Mexican cuisine.
- Podcast of the Year
Honoring a podcast that effectively tells stories or shares insights about rural life and agriculture. - Western Craftsman of the Year
Celebrating artisans who create exceptional handcrafted items reflecting rural or Western culture. - Reproduction Service of the Year - Recognizing outstanding contributions in livestock breeding and genetics services.
- Rural Publication of the Year - Honoring a publication excelling in covering rural topics and issues.
- Realtor of the Year - Celebrating a real estate professional making an impact in rural property sales or development.
- Builder of the Year - Recognizing excellence in rural construction, from barns and homes to community projects that enhance rural life.
- Boutique of the Year - Celebrating a standout rural boutique offering unique and high-quality goods that reflect rural charm and character.
- Agricultural Co-Op of the Year - Honoring a cooperative that excels in supporting rural producers and promoting collaboration for mutual success.
Community & Culture Awards
- Rural Health and Wellness Award - Honoring efforts to improve health and wellness in rural areas.
- Heritage Preservation Award - Recognizing efforts to preserve rural traditions, history, and culture.
- Rural Artist of the Year - Highlighting an artist, writer, or filmmaker capturing the spirit of rural life.
- Fair of the Year - Honoring an exceptional rural fair that showcases community spirit.
- Festival of the Year - Celebrating a rural festival that promotes culture, agriculture, or community.
- Farmers Market of the Year - Highlighting a market excelling in connecting farmers to consumers.
- FFA Chapter of the Year - Recognizing an outstanding chapter making a difference in their school and community.
- 4-H Club of the Year - Honoring a club excelling in youth development and community contributions.
- Educational Conference of the Year - Recognizing an exceptional conference advancing knowledge and networking in agriculture, ranching, or rural development.
- Agricultural Association of the Year - Highlighting an organization making a significant impact through advocacy, education, or support for rural and agricultural communities.
Special Recognition Awards
- Rural Trailblazers Award - Recognizing up to 20 individuals under the age of 30 making waves in agriculture, ranching, farming, or rural development.
- Rural Legacy Builder Award - Recognizing up to 20 individuals over the age of 30 doing extraordinary work in agriculture, ranching, farming, or rural development.
Timeline
Nomination Phase - Nominations Due December 15th
Throughout the year, nominate outstanding individuals, businesses, or organizations making a difference in rural America. Nominations can be submitted through our nomination form. Social media nominations will also be open for a two week period in early December each year.
Voting Phase
December 20–December 31
Cast your vote for your favorite nominees via our electronic ballots! Winners will be determined through a combination of public votes and panel review to ensure a fair and balanced selection process.
Awards & Recognition - Announced January of Each Year
In January of each year, we will recognize the outstanding winners of the Rural Impact Awards program.
Winners of the Rural Impact Awards will receive over $40,000 in Marketing Grants to propel their marketing and efforts in the upcoming year! Each winner per category will receive a $500 marketing grant provided by Ranch House Designs to support and grow rural American brands.
Winners will be highlighted across our website, social media, and industry publications as well as receiving custom-designed digital awards celebrating their achievements.
Nominate Those Who Are Making a Difference
This program offers a unique opportunity to spotlight the people and businesses driving innovation and excellence in rural America. By participating, you’re helping to recognize and inspire others while contributing to the future of our agricultural community.
It also allows Ranch House Designs to give back to the community to help continue to build rural brands.
Let’s honor the best in agriculture and rural life. Nominate someone today and help us celebrate the people and brands building a brighter future for rural America!
Contact RHD
Wharton, Texas 77488
Office: (979)-532-9141
Fax: (979) 532-9977
office@ranchhousedesigns.com
updates@ranchhousedesigns.com