– IFA Cowboy Poetry Roundup –
The Sun has set on IFA’s Cowboy Poetry Search
Thanks to everyone who participated in the third annual IFA Cowboy Poetry Search. Congratulations to each of our winners! Our winning poets will present their poem live during the Juab Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Nephi, Utah on Saturday, April 26.
Thanks for 102 years of growing the things you love. We hope to continue helping you grow for the century to come.
2025 Cowboy Poetry Roundup Winners
Adult Division –1st Overall: Dan H.
"The Old Saddle"
Adult Division –2nd: Andrew G.
"Brent's Finger"
Adult Division –3rd (Tie): Rachel R.
"The Round Corral"
Adult Division – 3rd (Tie): Farrel B.
"The Cattle Drive"
Adult Division – 3rd (Tie): Hal A.
"Ellie"
Intermediate Division – 1st Overall: Emmett E.
"The Stolen Spurs of Buffalo Bill"
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Intermediate Division – 2nd: Braidelynn K.
"Pony's Ire"
Intermediate Division – 3rd: Gemma P.
"Little Cowboy Child"
Youth Division – 1st Overall: Lacey M.
"My Grandpa"
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Youth Division – 2nd: Jimmy C.
"Growing my Peas"
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Youth Division – 3rd: Zane H.
"Wild Rodeo"
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Divisions:
Winners selected within three age divisions:
Youth (K-6th Grade)
Intermediate (7th-12th Grade)
Senior (Age 18+)
Overall Division Winners:
One overall winner will be selected for each age division. Winners will be notified via email and may be asked to present their poems live at upcoming IFA and FFA events. Overall prizes include:
Senior Division Winner: $500 IFA Gift Card
Intermediate Division Winner: $250 IFA Gift Card
Youth Division Winner: $250 IFA Gift Card
1. Write
Got a great idea? Put it down on paper. All entries must be the entrant’s original content so start writing your best poems and stories. Submit a written or typed copy of your poem(s) for entry. HANDWRITTEN ENTRIES MUST BE LEGIBLE.
2. Record
Part of great cowboy poetry lies in presentation. A recording of yourself delivering your poem is not necessary for entry. However, additional points will be awarded for entries that include a video presentation of the poem(s).
3. Submit
Once your poem(s) is written (required) and recorded (optional), submit as many as you like by filling out the entry form on our website.
How to Submit:
1. Upload digital versions of your poem. You may either take a picture of your hand-written piece or download the digital version and save it as a jpg or PDF file.
2. Fill out the required contact and consent information. A parent or guardian must confirm their consent if you are under 18.
3. Optional: Upload video recordings to YouTube and include a viewable link on the entry form. *Please note that your video and Youtube page must be public for consideration.
Entry Selection
Winning entries will be selected internally by a panel of qualified IFA judges. Points will be awarded for written submissions with additional points awarded for video submissions. Entries will be judged on:
Content
The most points will be awarded in this category. Content will be judged for the quality of the story. What is your story about? Is your message conveyed clearly and in a meaningful way? Funny, serious or satirical it doesn’t matter. We are just looking for content that depicts the agricultural lifestyle.
Creativity
Like content, creativity will account for a large proportion of an entry’s score. Think of out-of-the-box ways to tell your story but make sure it is something that others will connect with.
Flow
Cowboy poetry is about rhythm. Rhyming scheme or no rhyming scheme, make sure your poem flows just the way you want it to.
*Optional: Video Presentation
Entries submitted with a video recording of the poem may be awarded additional points. Video quality and presentation will be considered. Keep in mind that cowboy poems/stories are about a lifestyle so backgrounds and even appearance can help convey your message.
Sign up to learn about future IFA contests!
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