California Farm Bureau receives national honors

» January 16, 2004 «

The American Farm Bureau Federation has honored the California Farm Bureau Federation as one of the nation's outstanding state organizations. The recognition took place during the AFBF annual meeting, Jan. 10-14 in Honolulu. Several individual Farm Bureau members from California also were recognized for their accomplishments.

California Farm Bureau was awarded the maximum five "Awards for Excellence" for outstanding accomplishments in program areas. California's Excellence Awards came in the areas of education and agricultural promotion, leadership development, member services, policy implementation and public relations.

Several members of the CFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Program were honored in Hawaii. Steve McShane of the Monterey County Farm Bureau was one of four finalists in the AFBF 2004 YF&R Discussion Meet, a competition that recognizes outstanding communication skills. McShane received a $6,000 savings bond as a finalist.

Rosemary Vernon of San Luis Obispo County was among the top 10 finalists in the Excellence in Agriculture Award competition. The program gives recognition to young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an owned agricultural operation, but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture and Farm Bureau.

Other Californians who represented CFBF at the meeting included Brian and Susan Fedora of Colusa County, who were California's Outstanding Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award winner. The program recognizes couples age 35 or younger for their successes in the farming business and their leadership in the agricultural community.

Two county Farm Bureaus participated in the AFBF County Farm Bureau Idea Exchange, which showcased outstanding projects implemented at the local level. They are Kern County Farm Bureau and the Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau.

Kern County Farm Bureau was honored for its Buena Vista Lake Shrew Project. The Farm Bureau challenged the listing of the Buena Vista Lake shrew as an endangered species and organized a coalition of agencies, water districts and private property groups.

Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau highlighted its efforts to donate thousands of tons of produce to military families in Southern California and in North Carolina.

"I am proud of our state's representation at the AFBF convention," said CFBF President Bill Pauli. "It is encouraging to see the high level of talent in our Farm Bureau leaders and the successful programs that serve members at the county, state and national levels of Farm Bureau. I congratulate them as examples of the some of the best of the best in our nation."

Contact: Dave Kranz
Phone: 916/561-5550
news@cfbf.com

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