Farm Bureaus reap national awards for programming

Farm Bureaus reap national awards for programming
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The program featured speakers on agricultural preservation, economic development, open space and recreation, the recent Wayne County Comprehensive Plan and more.

                        

The American Farm Bureau Federation County Activities of Excellence Awards celebrate volunteer-driven programs that serve as models of innovation for local program development.

The winning counties receive a grant to fund participation in the Farm Bureau CAE Showcase at the 2022 American Farm Bureau annual Convention and Trade Show Jan. 7-12 in Atlanta. AFBF received more than 75 entries across all membership categories, with only 18 activities nationwide being selected to present at the convention. Again this year, Ohio had more winners than any other state.

“The creativity of our county Farm Bureau members continues to amaze me,” said Melinda Witten, Ohio Farm Bureau senior director of leadership development. “These programs are superb examples of Farm Bureau offering member value and being important community partners in their respective counties.”

Ohio’s winners include Knox County, Date Night at the Orchard; Jackson-Vinton County, Drive-Thru Breakfast with Santa in the Barn; Wood County, Hop Around Wood County; and Wayne County, Land Use Actions for the Future of Our County.

Wayne County Farm Bureau’s involvement in the countywide Land Use Actions for the Future of Our County project stemmed from two local policies Farm Bureau generated that addressed land use.

The county government updated its comprehensive plan in 2019 following a period of feedback from the community including a listening session organized by the county Farm Bureau. A workshop was put together in 2020 to help catalyze action of the new plan around balanced land use.

The workshop took place over four brown bag seminars that drew 50-80 participants to each session. The attendees included a diverse group of Farm Bureau members and community stakeholders.

Overall, the feedback suggested there is interest in continuing these discussions to engage stakeholders and develop shared solutions to the county’s biggest land-use challenges.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen communities. Learn more at www.ohiofarmbureau.org.


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