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County Farm Bureaus recognized for excellence

Farm Bureaus in Westmoreland, Augusta, Shenandoah and Chesterfield counties were recognized Dec. 1 by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation for their work in educating the public and promoting agriculture and Virginia Farm Bureau.

As a result of their cultivation and retention of members, and their promotional activities, the four county organizations received Best in State Awards at the 2009 VFBF Annual Convention in Richmond.

Westmoreland County Farm Bureau, led by President John Jenkins, won in the membership acquisition category. The organization reached more than 35,000 potential members through participation in the annual Potomac River Festival and the local Father’s Day Car Show, gaining new members and generating interest in agriculture among citizens.

Augusta County Farm Bureau, led by President Charles Curry, won in the member involvement and retention category for an activity titled “It’s TIME,” designed to target, involve, mentor and encourage young farmers.

Shenandoah County Farm Bureau, led by President Timmy French, captured honors in the category for agriculture promotion or education activities targeting the general public. Shenandoah Farm Bureau formed a partnership with the county school system and sponsored the annual convocation for all school employees. The event included a new farmers’ market and a luncheon featuring locally grown food.

Chesterfield County Farm Bureau was recognized for its governmental relations program. Led by President Howard Nester Jr., the organization undertook a program called “Learning Barns for Legislators” to strengthen its relationship with elected officials. The county Farm Bureau presented Learning Barns—barn-shaped bookshelves stocked with children’s books about agriculture—in honor of their state delegates to the elementary schools of the delegates’ choice.

“The Best in State Awards are the principal awards presented by the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation to county Farm Bureaus,” explained Brad Lowery, VFBF director of field services. “The areas of work that we examine when choosing the winners are key to a county Farm Bureau’s success.”

Each winning organization received an event tent imprinted with its name.

With nearly 150,000 members in 88 county Farm Bureaus, VFBF is Virginia’s largest farmers’ advocacy group. Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, nonpartisan, voluntary organization committed to protecting Virginia’s farms and ensuring a safe, fresh and locally grown food supply.