Committee of the Year Spotlight

Young Farmers & Ranchers: Leadership Conference Outstanding YF&R of the Year Outstanding Agribusiness Person of the Year Discussion Meet Committee of the Year Spotlight Food Check-Out Week YF&R Gives Back Request Information

Committee of the Year

Deadline: January 16, 2009
Do you think your committee has what it takes? Apply today.
Download application (PDF, 38 KB)

Star YF&R Award

Deadline: January 16, 2009
Nominate a YF&R who has gone above and beyond to be honored at this year's Leadership Conference.
Download application (PDF, 17 KB)

Congratulations

Congratulations to this year’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee of the Year, the Central Coast Young Farmers & Ranchers!

This annual award recognizes YF&R County Committees that are active in promoting Farm Bureau, and continually working to support the goals and policies of both the county and state organization.

The Central Coast YF&R is composed of 300 members. They had 13 people attend the Leadership Conference, two members serving on commodity committees and two people attend the Legislative Day.

When the 2006 E.coli spinach crisis hit, YF&R members did not hide for cover behind the walls of Farm Bureau. Rather, the group went on the offensive. They came up with the idea to market bumper stickers that read, "I (heart) spinach, Support Salinas Valley Growers." They asked a $2 donation for the stickers, thus far raising over $15,000. The proceeds will be put toward a national campaign promoting spinach and leafy greens. Not only was CCYFR successful in rendering financial support but they launched a supportive, grassroots advertising campaign that was seen far and wide.

April England-Mackie receives the Committee of the Year Spotlight award from chairman Tim Chiala.

"Central Coast YF&R serves as a model for YF&R groups around the state. With an ambitious calendar of events, a strong commitment to their local community and an enthusiasm and willingness to tackle any project that comes their way, they are true examples of what it takes to build leaders for Farm Bureau and for agriculture, and that’s why that are being recognized as California Farm Bureau Federation’s YF&R Committee of the Year," stated Danielle Rau, Director of California’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Program.

Members of the Central Coast Young Farmers and Ranchers at an evening social during the Leadership conference in Monterey, March 2008.

Among CCYFR’s many events are the Harvest Dance, Crab Feed and View of the Valley event. Better get your ticket now, the events sell out quick! Proceeds from these powerful fund-raisers are donated to their own scholarship funds, Ag Education in Monterey County and local food charities.

The Committee of the Year Award is judged by a panel that evaluates an application. Scrapbooks, videos and paraphernalia are encouraged to accompany the written application. San Luis Obispo County was awarded the "Most Creative Application" and Tulare County won the "Best Event," with their Grocery Cart Race, featured in the summer 2008 edition of the California YF&R Update.

-Meghan Dresselhaus