Jeroen and Traci van der Ploeg ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Jeroen and Traci van der Ploeg of Clovis, who raise wheat, corn, and beef cattle and run a dairy operation, are among the finalists for the National Outstanding Young Farmers Awards program. The van der Ploegs have diversified their farm by incorporating a milk and yogurt company as well as a specialty shop to direct market their products. Eight finalist individuals and couples, including the van der Ploegs, have been selected. The four final winners will be announced at the 2022 NOYF Awards Congress. The program is the oldest farmer recognition in the nation, and selected its first group of winners in 1955. The program is sponsored by John Deere, administered by the Outstanding Farmers of America, and supported by the U.S. Jaycees, the National Association of Conservation Districts, and the National Association of County Agricultural Agents.