The Young Farmer Award Program recognizes up-and-coming leaders in Farm Bureau and across Michigan agriculture. Each year 16 finalists are recognized for their contributions and achievements, and a winner is distinguished in each of the four categories.
Applications for the 2022 awards are due March 6; forms are available online.
Young Farmer Award applications are a great way to build your leadership resume and compile your accomplishments in a visual way that acknowledges the great things you’re doing on the farm, in the community, and with your county Farm Bureau. The goals section of each application gives you a place to write down your goals, which research has proven makes it more statistically likely that you’ll accomplish them!
Not sure which award applies to you?
Young Agriculture Leader
Highlights: Participation in the agricultural community and leadership experiences with Farm Bureau and on the farm.
Who can apply: Young Farmers who earn a majority of their income from a production agriculture enterprise (e.g. crop, livestock, plant) where they have ownership.
Examples: Farmers who own fruit, vegetable, row crop, livestock, greenhouse, mushroom, custom-harvest, or hay operations.
Young Farmer Achievement
Highlights: The growth and success of the farming operation. Secondarily, community and Farm Bureau involvement.
Who can apply: Young Farmers who earn a majority of their income from a production agriculture enterprise (e.g. crop, livestock, plant) where they have ownership.
Examples: Farmers who own fruit, vegetable, row crop, livestock, greenhouse, mushroom, custom-harvest, or hay operations.
Young Agriculture Employee
Highlights: Contributions made to the long-term profitability and success of the farm or agribusiness where employed. Secondarily, community and Farm Bureau involvement.
Who can apply: Young Farmers who have no ownership stake, but receive a specific wage/salary; have implied/written job responsibilities; and whose work is controlled by an employer.
Examples: Farm equipment sales, seed sales, production agriculture enterprise employees, or ag technology jobs.
Excellence in Agriculture
Highlights: Involvement in agricultural organizations, leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau.
Who can apply: Young Farmers who do not earn a majority of their income from an owned production agriculture enterprise (e.g. crop, livestock, plant) in any of the past three years.
Examples: Agriscience educators, insurance industry, commodity groups, food systems, natural resources, or government jobs.
All 16 finalists receive $400 and a MFB jacket. Winners receive an equipment lease ($5,000-$10,000 value); $1,000 AgroLiquid gift certificate; and up to $1,000 of business/estate consultation from Clark Hill — and a trip to one of the 2022 AFBF Conferences!
Not a Young Farmer, but know a great one? Encourage Young Farmer leaders in your county to apply and make sure to tell them why you think they’re deserving!
Applications are due March 6. This year’s applications are online; applicants are encouraged to compose and save their answers in a separate document (offline) prior to submitting. Applications are open now on Michigan Farm Bureau’s website.
Good luck!