Young Farmer Awards

Applications are now open through March 1, 2023!

Michigan Farm Bureau is proud to recognize up-and-coming leaders in the Farm Bureau organization and Michigan's agriculture industry.

Our Young Farmer Award program honors deserving individuals in the following categories and rewards winners with top-notch prizes from generous and loyal program sponsors. In addition, the top four finalists in each category are awarded $400 in cash and MFB apparel.

Unsure of which award category fits your experience and expertise? Check out this simple diagram for assistance!

Young Farmer Achievement

The Young Farmer Achievement Award recognizes successful young farmers who derive a majority of their income from an owned production agriculture enterprise and showcases their achievements in the business of farming (applicants may apply as a couple or an individual).

2022 Winner: Robyn Fogarasi

2021 Winner: Ashley Kennedy

2020 Winner: Terry Page

The 2021 State Winner received a Kubota tractor, a $1,000 AgroLiquid gift certificate, and an all-expense paid trip to the AFBF Annual Meeting to compete in the national competition.

Please download and fill out the Financial Summary Sheet to attach to your application.

This year’s application has been updated to align with the American Farm Bureau Federation’s application.

Apply Now

See the 2022 Finalists

Excellence in Agriculture

The Excellence in Agriculture Award is designed to recognize young farmers for their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau (applicants may apply as a couple or an individual).

2022 Winner: Mark and Jamie Trowbridge

2021 Winner: Loren King

2020 Winner: Katelyn Thompson

The 2021 State Winner received a three-month lease of a Michigan CAT Skidsteer, a $1,000 AgroLiquid gift certificate, and an all-expense paid trip to the AFBF Annual Meeting to compete in the national competition.

Apply Now

See the 2022 finalists

Young Agriculture Leader

The Young Agriculture Leader Award honors successful young agriculturalists, who earn the majority of their income from a farm operation, for their outstanding leadership in Farm Bureau, farming and throughout the agricultural community.

2022 Winner: Sarah Zastrow

2021 Winner: Michael Genovese

2020 Winner: Katelyn Packard

The 2021 State Winner received a lease on a New Holland compact tractor or utility vehicle from Burnips Equipment, a $1000 AgroLiquid Certificate, and an all-expense paid trip to the AFBF FUSION Conference.

Apply Now

See the 2022 finalists

Young Agriculture Employee

The Young Agriculture Employee Award recognizes farm employees and ag professionals for their contributions to the success and long-term profitability of their workplace.

Nominees are also judged on their leadership involvement in Farm Bureau, agriculture and the local community.

2022 Winner: Chad Geoit

2021 Winner: Sara Reisinger

2020 Winner: Tera Baker

The 2021 State Winner received $5,000 off the first payment of a lease or installment on a 100-horsepower or larger tractor from GreenMark Equipment, a $1,000 AgroLiquid gift certificate, and an all-expense paid trip to the AFBF FUSION Conference.

Apply Now

See the 2022 finalists

Young Farmer Awards