County Farm Bureaus Strengthen Their Communities

My Farm Bureau journey began at the county level, and that is where I first saw the power of neighbors working together. That same spirit is alive in county Farm Bureaus across the country today. Our grassroots leaders identify a challenge, bring neighbors together, and get to work. That local leadership is what makes Farm Bureau strong.

Each year, our County Activities of Excellence program celebrates the dedication and creativity behind outstanding local programs. This year, 23 activities were selected for national recognition. These winning programs reflect the many ways county Farm Bureaus serve their members, promote agriculture and give back to their communities. I’m proud to congratulate this year’s winners and share a few examples of the work we will celebrate at the 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

County Farm Bureaus Help Meet Local Needs

Every time I visit with our county Farm Bureau leaders, I’m reminded that no two communities are exactly alike. Our members understand their neighbors because they live and work alongside them. That firsthand knowledge helps volunteers develop programs that make a real difference.

In Florida, Seminole County Farm Bureau is encouraging students to explore agriculture through its Cultivating Innovation Award. Presented at the county science fair, the award recognizes student projects connected to agriculture, natural resources or food systems. Farm Bureau members help judge the projects, giving them an opportunity to encourage students’ curiosity and show how science connects to the work we do on our farms and ranches.

In Michigan, Kalamazoo County Farm Bureau’s Doe Derby addresses two local challenges at once: deer damage to crops and hunger. This project provides an opportunity for hunters to donate deer that are processed into venison for local food banks. In its second year, the effort collected 172 deer, providing about 5,000 pounds of packaged meat to help feed neighbors in need while helping manage the deer population.

In Virginia, Page County Farm Bureau’s Women’s Leadership Committee saw a need for a consistent local farmers market and stepped forward to create one. Their “From Farm to Community: Building a Market that Works” initiative gives farmers a steady place to sell their products and connect directly with customers. It is a practical way to support farmers while helping neighbors discover the food grown and raised in their community.

Sharing County Farm Bureau Success at the 2027 AFBF Convention

One of my favorite parts of the County Activities of Excellence awards is seeing successful programs take root in other communities. An activity developed in one county can inspire members hundreds of miles away to adapt it for their own community.

This year’s winners will showcase their programs on the trade show floor at the 2027 AFBF Convention. I encourage you to visit their exhibits, meet the volunteers behind these activities, and consider what might work in your own county. Sometimes, a conversation with another Farm Bureau member is all it takes to spark a new idea.

Our county Farm Bureaus are where grassroots leadership comes to life. They bring people together, build stronger communities, and show what can happen when neighbors roll up their sleeves around a shared goal. I’m proud of the work our local leaders are doing, and I look forward to celebrating another outstanding group of county programs in Charlotte.