Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program is looking for bright young Farm Bureau agriculturalists ages 18-35 to compete in a variety of programs for recognition for their contributions to agriculture.
Applications for the YF&R competitive events, which include the Achievement Award, the Excellence in Agriculture Award, the Discussion Meet and the Charles Roff Award are due Friday, Oct. 14, 2016. The competitive events are open to OKFB members ages 18-35.
Winners will be recognized at the 75th-annual OKFB convention awards program held on Friday, Nov. 11. Prizes will be presented along with the awards for each event.
Applications can be found at the applications center page on OKFB’s website. For questions or more information, contact Brittany Mikles at (405) 205-0066.
The Achievement Award recognizes OKFB’s top young farm and ranch family or individual actively engaged in production agriculture. The award is judged on involvement in the community and Farm Bureau as well as the quality of the contestants’ farming operation and leadership activities. Applicants complete an application, which is judged by an independent committee. A member of the OKFB communications department will visit each contestant’s farm to take photos and interview the applicant(s) for a presentation at OKFB’s annual meeting in November.
The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes YF&R members who do not earn the majority of their income from their own farm or ranch, but still actively contribute to agriculture and grow through involvement in Farm Bureau. Applicants fill out an application for the award and give a presentation on their agricultural and community involvement at OKFB’s annual meeting in Oklahoma City on Friday, Nov. 11.
The Discussion Meet is a panel-type forum that provides contestants an opportunity to hone their ability to discuss top agriculture issues in a meeting-style format. The discussion meet takes place at OKFB’s annual meeting in Oklahoma City on Friday, Nov. 11. Participants attempt to influence each other by posing and answering questions with the goal of reaching a solution to a stated agricultural problem. The 2017 discussion meet topics, which will be used at OKFB’s annual meeting, can be found on American Farm Bureau’s website.
The Charles Roff award recognizes Oklahoma’s top county YF&R committee. Applications are judged on the county’s activities for the year and must be accompanied by no more than three pages (front and back) of photos and clippings for verification. The award is presented at OKFB’s annual meeting on Friday, Nov. 11.
The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers program allows members of Farm Bureau between the ages of 18 and 35 to develop leadership skills, to be involved in their local communities, to compete in contests to win valuable prizes and to develop long lasting friendships with people from across the state and country.
