Ohio’s county Farm Bureaus again lead the nation for quality programming
Submitted by OHIO FARM BUREAUS
COLUMBUS – Ohio’s county Farm Bureaus won eight of the 24 County Activities of Excellence awards presented by the American Farm Bureau. The awards celebrate unique, local, volunteer-driven programming and serve as models of innovation for local program development. The winning counties receive a grant to fund participation in the Farm Bureau CAE Showcase at the 2019 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show in New Orleans in January. AFBF received more than 100 entries across all membership categories, with only 24 activities nationwide being selected to show at the convention.
“Once again, Ohio has more CAE winners than any other state,” said Melinda Witten, Ohio Farm Bureau director, leadership programming. “We are always proud of the county Farm Bureau programming in Ohio, but we are thrilled to see 11 counties recognized at the American Farm Bureau level.”
Northwest Ohio’s winners include:
- Lucas County: Nutrient Management Meeting
The Nutrient Management Meeting brought farmers, researchers and educators together to better understand the agriculture impact on water quality. The meeting demonstrated that the county Farm Bureau wanted to encourage farmers to have access to and use information about best management practices and enhanced production systems. This activity positioned the county Farm Bureau as a resource for water quality issues.
- Wood County: Crafting Cocktails with Herbs
The spring event took place at a local greenhouse. The greenhouse owner explained the tools needed to grow a successful herb garden. Guests learned from a mixologist who demonstrated how to use herbs in cocktails. Attendees selected and potted herbs to take home. The county Farm Bureau gained new members, expanded knowledge and awareness about horticulture and agriculture, promoted a local ag business and encouraged growth in the industry.