Farm leaders, county committees honored for supporting Young Farmers & Ranchers program
Two leaders and four county committees were recognized Saturday for their dedication to advancing the California Farm Bureau’s mission. The Young Farmers & Ranchers Hometown Hero, Star Member and Committee of the Year awards were presented at the 107th California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Anaheim in conjunction with the California YF&R State Conference.
YF&R Hometown Hero
Steve Murray, a fourth-generation farmer in Bakersfield, received the California Farm Bureau’s Hometown Hero Award in recognition of his support of the YF&R program in his county.
“Steve’s consistent support and genuine belief in the next generation of farmers have made a lasting impact on our program and our members,” Katelyn Filkins of the Kern County YF&R Committee wrote in nominating Murray for the award. “We are honored to recognize him for his leadership, generosity and unwavering dedication to our agricultural community.”
Murray welcomes Kern County YF&R members to his farm every year, providing hands-on agricultural learning opportunities.
He also donates produce to the organization’s annual Charity Farmers Market. His contributions help raise funds for local scholarships and agricultural education programs.
The California YF&R State Committee established the Hometown Hero Award in 2022 in memory of Randy Rocca, a Fresno County farmer who was a longtime YF&R supporter. The award recognizes county Farm Bureau members who have rendered outstanding service to the YF&R program and young Farm Bureau members.
YF&R Star Member
Matthew Vosseler, a hay and grape farmer in Cotati, has been awarded California Farm Bureau’s YF&R Star Member Award, recognizing his exceptional dedication to the program.
Vosseler’s professional background is in vineyard mechanics. He has been an active participant on the Sonoma-Marin YF&R Committee since 2017, managing fundraisers, organizing events and holding multiple leadership roles. He also served on the Sonoma County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
Committee of the Year
The Sonoma-Marin YF&R Committee took home the Committee of the Year Award for its engagement in YF&R and its work with the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. Members played a key role in community initiatives, including the NASCAR Farm to Finish Line, which provides an engaging activity where children can improve their motor skills.
The Central Coast YF&R Committee was honored for Harvest for All projects. Committee members volunteered approximately 700 hours, donated more than $60,000 and gave 172,383 pounds of food to organizations including the Monterey County Food Bank, FarmLink Project and Brighter Bites. Meanwhile, the Stanislaus YF&R Committee won the most innovative event prize for its cherry-gleaning event, where members promote agricultural sustainability and engage with the community.
The Merced YF&R Committee earned the top award for community involvement, highlighting its expanded outreach efforts and organization of community events. The Sonoma-Marin YF&R Committee received the FarmPAC Award in recognition of its volunteer work, including running a barbecue to support this year’s FarmPAC fundraiser.
California Farm Bureau works to protect family farms and ranches as part of a nationwide network representing more than 5 million Farm Bureau members. Learn more at www.cfbf.com or follow @cafarmbureau on Instagram, LinkedIn, X or Facebook.
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Katelyn Filkins, center, receives the California Farm Bureau's Young Farmers & Ranchers Hometown Hero Award on behalf of Steve Murray from Nick Rocca, left, and Daniel Jones, YF&R State Committee Chair, right. The award was established in memory of Rocca's father, Randy Rocca.
Matthew Vosseler, left, receives the California Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Star Member Award from Daniel Jones, YF&R State Committee Chair.
The Sonoma-Marin Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee receives the YF&R Committee of the Year Award for overall committee excellence from Daniel Jones, YF&R State Committee Chair, second from right. Sonoma-Marin members, from left, are Regina Pozzi, Amelia Pozzi, Matthew Vosseler and Steven Pozzi.
The Central Coast Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, represented by Jynel Gularte, left, receives the YF&R award for Harvest for All projects from Daniel Jones, YF&R State Committee Chair.
The Stanislaus Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, represented by Miranda Blagg, left, receives the YF&R award for the most innovative event from Daniel Jones, YF&R State Committee Chair.
The Merced Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, represented by Sariah Avila, left, receives the YF&R award for community involvement from Daniel Jones, YF&R State Committee Chair.
The Sonoma-Marin Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, represented by Matthew Vosseler, left, receives the YF&R award for its support of FarmPAC from Daniel Jones, YF&R State Committee Chair.
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