Twenty-four county Farm Bureaus nationwide were recognized by the American Farm Bureau Federation for innovative program ideas in this year's County Activities of Excellence Awards program. The winners will be highlighted during AFBF's 96th Annual Convention, Jan. 11-14, 2015, in San Diego, California.
The CAE program acknowledges and shares successful county Farm Bureau programs and activities. The awards are also based on county Farm Bureau membership. The CAE focuses on Farm Bureau's priority issues in the following areas: Education and Ag Promotion; Member Services; Public Relations and Information; Leadership Development; and Policy Implementation.
"We're pleased to recognize the efforts of grassroots Farm Bureau members who join at the county level," said AFBF President Bob Stallman. "They are the heart and soul of Farm Bureau and continue to find innovative ways to reach out in their communities with information about today's food and farming," he said.
This year's CAE award winners come from 12 states: Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin. The winners (listed by state and county Farm Bureau) are:
Education and Ag Promotion-
California
Farm Bureau University, Sacramento
Farm Camp, Shasta
Illinois
Agriculture and Commerce - Partnering for Progress, Effingham
Maryland
Farm to Table Dinner, Montgomery
Missouri
Combine Blessing & Safety Expo, Boone
Promoting Modern Agricultural Practices in "The Burbs," Platte
New York
Spudventure, Wyoming
Ohio
Breakfast on the Farm, Franklin
Agriculture Awareness Day, Gallia
Taste of Summer, Knox
Farmtastic Google Adventures, Tuscarawas
Pennsylvania
"The State of Agriculture" newspaper column, Columbia
Texas
Ag Rescue Training, Cherokee
County Farm Safety Program, Limestone
Wisconsin
Little Britches Kiddie Showmanship, Marathon
Dairy Dash & Stroll 5K, Shawano
Member Services-
Alabama
Farm Safety Day and Row Crop Tour, Blount
New York
"Who do you call? Farm Bureau!", Chenango
Ohio
Farm Watch, Champaign
Policy Implementation-
Missouri
County Leadership Luncheons, DeKalb
Public Relations & Information-
Florida
Legislative Agricultural Tour Series, Hillsborough
Illinois
Million Meal Challenge, Kane
Kentucky
Elected Officials Dinner and Movie Event, Hardin
Ohio
ATV Conservation & Farm Tour, Muskingum