County Farm Bureaus Bring their Communities Closer

By Lilly Stewart

Through its annual County Activities of Excellence Awards, the American Farm Bureau Federation celebrates county Farm Bureaus for their unique, volunteer-driven programming. The following counties are being recognized for their programs and activities in 2024. The programs featured here focused on member services.

Bourbon County Farm Bureau Brings Back Family Fun Night

For a night full of old-fashioned family fun, Bourbon County (Kentucky) Farm Bureau brought back the community tradition of Family Fun Night at the county fair. This event allowed the organization to show how much they appreciate their members.

From minute-to-win-it games to a petting zoo, they had it all, thanks to Bourbon County community members who chipped in their time and to community organizations and partners who donated prizes and money for attendees.

Saginaw County Farm Bureau Encourages Cleaning Up Homesteads

Committed to being responsible stewards of the land, Saginaw County (Michigan) Farm Bureau hosted their third farm tire drive in June 2024. The drive encourages members to dispose of old tires from tractors, semis and other farm equipment in an environmentally friendly way. The county Farm Bureau partnered with Environmental Rubber Recycling, a company that provides mechanical assistance at the delivery site for easy and accessible drop off. Farmers could make reservations for time slots and within a two-day period, 43 Farm Bureau member families responsibly disposed of 49,944 pounds of tires.

The event not only helped Farm Bureau members keep their property in tip-top shape, it was an opportunity for the county to engage with members. One farmer even renewed his membership to participate.

Hardin Country Farm Bureau’s Membership Mashup Boosts Member Engagement

Noticing how challenging it was for members to get off the farm for multiple county Farm Bureau events, Hardin County (Ohio) Farm Bureau combined their county membership kick-off, annual meeting and policy dinner into the Membership Mashup event.

They found by doing so they had an overwhelming increase in attendance and quality. From a presentation addressing the evolving power grid to voting on policy, this event covered everything in one fell swoop. The event was so impactful it resulted in new members for the county.

County Activities of Excellence

Applications are now open for the 2025 County Activities of Excellence. Up to 24 counties will display their winning activities at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim, California, in January. County award winners receive up to four free registrations to the Annual Convention (cost of travel and housing not included) and a $4,500 stipend to apply toward the cost of travel and exhibition.

Lilly Stewart is a summer 2025 intern in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Communications and Executive departments. She is a rising senior in agricultural business at the University of Wyoming.