Logan, Kellan and Carter Smith, of Hermiston, primary recipients of the 2023 John F. Walchli Memorial Agricultural Entrepreneurs Award, pose for a photo on July 9, 2023, with samples from their business, Smith Associated Feeds. Applications for the 2024 awards must be submitted by May 15, 2024.

HERMISTON — Entrepreneurs, ages 24 and younger, interested in building or expanding agriculture-related businesses are invited to apply for the John F. Walchli Memorial Agricultural Entrepreneurs Award.

In its fifth year, eligible applicants must live in western Umatilla County — Echo, Hermiston, Stanfield or Umatilla. According to a press release from Mike Mehren, the award is not based on grades or community service, but rather on ideas and performance to create an agricultural-related business.

In 2023, primary recipients were the Smith brothers, of Hermiston — Logan, Kellan and Carter — who created Smith Associated Feeds, which specializes in high-quality products for show animals. Kellan and Logan, the older brothers, received the secondary award in 2021 for their sheep-breeding business, which they started in 2019 while still in junior high.

For an application or questions, phone/text Mehren at 541-561-4762, Annette Kirkpatrick at 541-303-5862 or Chuck Wilcox at 541-571-2523.

The application deadline is May 15. Completed applications can be sent to ATTN: John Walchli award, PO Box 595, Hermiston, OR 97838, or emailed via johnwalchliaward@gmail.com.