Oklahoma Farm Bureau will recognize members and counties for leadership, service and excellence during an awards banquet to be held Saturday, Nov. 9 at 6:45 p.m. during the organization’s 78th annual meeting at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City. Below, find a list of awards to be presented along with a description of each.
Farm and Ranch Family Recognition
Each year, the OKFB Women’s Leadership Committee chooses and honors district farm families who best represent farming and ranching and the spirit of Oklahoma agriculture. The families must display excellence in the following areas: strong family involvement in all phases of farm management and production; innovative family farm operation and management; use of modern agricultural techniques; and active leadership in Farm Bureau, the community, and other agricultural groups.
Distinguished Service to Oklahoma Farm Bureau Award
The award honors OKFB members who have made outstanding contributions to agriculture and the Farm Bureau organization.
Lewis H. Munn Award
Known as the Farm Bureau Builder’s Award, the award is named for OKFB’s second state president who served for 22 years. It is presented every year to the county excelling in the program area of service to members.
John I. Taylor Award
Named for OKFB’s first state president, this prestigious award recognizes the top county Farm Bureau. It is OKFB’s highest county recognition. Se|ection is made from the counties earning the Four-Star Presidential Award. The winner must excel in at least six program areas.
YF&R Achievement Award
This contest recognizes OKFB’s leading young farm and ranch family or individual. The award is judged on involvement in the community and Farm Bureau, as well as the quality of the contestant’s farming operation and leadership activities. The winner will receive a prize package including an opportunity to compete nationally at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in, in January.
YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award
This award recognizes a Young Farmers and Ranchers member, who does not derive a majority of income from an owned operation, for excellence in agriculture and Oklahoma Farm Bureau. Participants are judged on involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, and involvement in Farm Bureau and other organizations. The winner will receive a prize package including a trip to compete at the AFBF annual meeting in January in Austin, Texas.
YF&R Discussion Meet
Held during convention, participants are judged on the ability to express ideas and opinions in an attempt to influence each other by posing and answering questions on the issues driving agriculture today. The goal is to reach a solution to a stated problem. The winner will receive a prize and an opportunity to compete nationally at the AFBF annual meeting in Austin, Texas.
New this year, OKFB will hold a Collegiate Farm Bureau Discussion Meet at the convention and will honor the winner on stage during the awards ceremony. High School Discussion Meet winners also will be recognized during the awards ceremony.
YF&R Charles Roff Award
Designed to encourage members to build stronger county programs and to strengthen the organization by increasing participation in state activities, this award recognizes Oklahoma’s top county Young Farmers and Ranchers committee. Applications are judged based on the county’s activities throughout the year. The winner will receive a traveling trophy.
Journalist of the Year Award
This award honors journalists for their contributions through reporting accurately and regularly about Farm Bureau news, agricultural issues and the importance of these to Oklahoma and the nation.
Secretary of the Year Award
This award honors county office secretaries for their contributions to the overall success of their county Farm Bureau.
A cupcake social will take place following the awards ceremony for members, award winners and their families. For more information about OKFB’s 78th Annual Meeting, view our schedule.
