By Scout Nelson
The American Farm Bureau Federation's 106th Convention was a significant event, celebrating the achievements of state Farm Bureaus across the nation. The convention spotlighted the excellence in implementation of member programs and membership achievements throughout 2024.
Leading the honors, the Pinnacle Award, the highest accolade a state Farm Bureau can receive, was awarded to Delaware, Iowa, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. These states demonstrated exceptional performance in both program execution and membership growth, setting a standard for others to follow.
Innovative efforts were also recognized through the New Horizon Awards, which were given to state Farm Bureaus that introduced groundbreaking programs. Delaware was highlighted for its #WhyFarmBureau social media campaign, which effectively engaged members from various backgrounds, demonstrating the inclusive nature of Farm Bureau membership. Illinois received accolades for its “We are the 96%” campaign, a year-long initiative that educated consumers on the predominance of family-operated farms in the state.
Michigan’s contribution with the FARM Science Van was noted for its educational outreach, increasing the state Farm Bureau’s engagement by 11% by bringing agricultural lessons directly to schools. Montana was celebrated for its creative member recruitment materials during May Membership Month, and South Carolina was recognized for its Farm Bureau Land Trust, which has protected over 2,500 acres of farmland from urban development.
Furthermore, the Awards of Excellence were bestowed upon state Farm Bureaus that excelled in Advocacy, Coalitions & Partnerships, Engagement & Outreach, and Leadership & Business Development. States like Massachusetts and Nevada were specifically honored for their efforts in Coalitions & Partnerships and Engagement & Outreach, respectively.
This year's convention not only highlighted the successes but also set a forward path for other state Farm Bureaus, encouraging a continued focus on innovation and community involvement in agricultural advocacy.
The awards presented reflect a commitment to supporting the agricultural community through innovative programs, effective leadership, and active engagement, reinforcing the pivotal role of the Farm Bureau in advancing the agricultural industry.
Photo Credits:american-farm-bureau-federation
Categories: National