COLUMBUS, Ohio — Four Ohio county Farm Bureaus have been chosen as winners in the 2014 American Farm Bureau Federation County Activities of Excellence Awards program. They are the Carroll, Franklin, Highland and Marion County Farm Bureaus.
The AFBF chooses 24 winners total.
The CAE program identifies programs that serve as models of innovation for local activities and display the value of volunteers working together to build and strengthen their communities.
Focus
The competition focuses on county efforts in education and agricultural promotion, member services, public relations and information, leadership development and policy implementation. Counties compete along with farm bureaus of similar membership size.
All four Ohio winners will display their programs, which were conducted in 2013, at the AFBF annual meeting trade show in San Antonio in January.
Carroll
Carroll County Farm Bureau was recognized in the policy implementation category for its Agriculture Plastics Recycling Program. The county worked with the Solid Waste District and eight surrounding counties to collect and recycle plastic products used by farmers.
Franklin
Franklin County Farm Bureau won in the education and ag promotion area for its Breakfast on the Farm event, which invited the local urban community to an on farm meal during which farmers answered consumer questions about food production.
Highland
Highland County Farm Bureau was honored in the public relations and information area for its Farm Rescue Program.
Working with local fire departments, the county funded two grain bin rescue trailers and training for 36 local emergency personnel.
Marion
Marion County Farm Bureau’s award was for education and ag promotion. The Harvest Hustle 4 Mile Run/Walk included an educational event that highlighted farm commodities and equipment and raised money for the local Humane Society and food pantries.
