2025 Young Farmer of the Year

Charles “Charlie” Edwards was born in 1996 to Charlotte Ezer Edwards and David Edwards. His family has been cattle ranching here since 1818.  He is a 7th generation rancher and 2nd generation farmer.  He is following in his father’s footsteps in farming.  James “Boogie” McBride had farmed on the Edwards’ land and decided to retire in 1993.  His Dad decided to start farming the next year, along with Boogie mentoring him in the beginning.

Charlie’s passion for agriculture was cultivated from a very young age, growing up here in Winnie-Stowell.  He began working on both sides of his families’ ranches when he was a little boy.  It became a lifestyle for him and something he knew he wanted to continue doing for years to come. He also has a passion for team roping and participating in ranch rodeos.

Charlie graduated from East Chambers High School in 2014.  He attended Blinn College and later transferred to Texas State University where he graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. He then returned home to work in the family farming/ranching operation.  Charlie planted his first crop in 2019.

Charlie would like to thank the Texas Rice Festival board for the honor of being chosen the 2025 Texas Rice Festival Young Farmer of the Year.