Creative County Farm Bureaus Celebrated at American Farm Bureau Virtual Convention

The American Farm Bureau Federation will celebrate 12 county Farm Bureaus for innovative programs and activities during the organization’s Virtual Convention, Jan. 10-13. The winners are being highlighted as part of the County Activities of Excellence Awards program. To learn more about the winning programs, visit virtual booths where representatives will be available to video chat on Tuesday, Jan. 12, between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. EST.

“This year’s entries demonstrate a true commitment to improving county programming and finding creatives ways to engage with consumers despite the challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall.

The winners (listed by state and county Farm Bureau) are:

California

• Virtual Farm Tours, Sacramento. Virtual farm tours featuring a variety of commodities were offered to the public and legislative officials.

Florida

• Farm to Inmate Pilot Program, Dade. South Florida farmers supplied and distributed locally grown squash, green beans, cucumbers and lettuce to correctional facilities.

Illinois

• Lesson in a Bucket, Woodford. Third-grade classes at nine public schools received lessons in three “bucket” deliveries during the year.
• Public Planting—Pollinator/Rain Garden, Kane. A demonstration project provided information on the benefits of attracting pollinators, stormwater management and water quality.

Kansas

• Ag Story Walk, Dickinson. Pages of the book “Farmers & Ranchers Care About Their Animals” were transformed into signs and laid out on a trail inviting families, children, caregivers and others to follow the path.

Kentucky

• Bee Keeping, Greenup. Establishment of junior bee keeping clubs in elementary schools and related projects.
• Farm Bureau Forestry Days, Harlan. Members taught fifth-grade students about forestry.
• Tomato Plants to Grow and Feed Your Family, Daviess. Educational outreach to children about growing vegetables and nutrition during the pandemic.

Ohio

• Farmer and Landowner Appreciation Dinner, Henry. A dinner brought members of the agricultural community together to let them know they are appreciated, they have support options and they are not alone in dealing with stress.
• Farms to Foodbanks, Pickaway and Delaware. Locally raised hogs and beef cattle purchased from members and junior fair exhibitors were processed, with the meat distributed to food banks.
• Conservation School Is Cool, Scioto. A new event that focused on sharing information with people getting involved with agriculture for the first time.
• Cows 2 Kids, Tuscarawas. A total of 7,000 gallons of milk was donated to families, homeless shelters and a food pantry.

For more information on the winning programs, contact Amelia Iliohan, AFBF project coordinator (ameliai@fb.org, 202-406-3666).