About NC Farm Bureau and the NC Farm Bureau YF&R Program
North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation was formed in 1936 as a non-profit general farm organization to serve farmers and provide a unified voice for the interests and needs of the farming community. Today, North Carolina Farm Bureau serves as an advocate for our members at the local, state, national, and international levels – providing educational, economic, public affairs, marketing, and various other services to our members. Over the years, North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation has grown into the largest general farm organization in the state with more than 650,000 member families, yet we remain true to our grassroots heritage and steadfast in our mission to advocate for farm and rural families.
NC Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Program is designed for young adults (18-35) that are interested or involved in agriculture.
YF&R provides opportunities to develop leadership growth, public speaking skills, advocacy strategies, and exposure to current issues in agriculture from state and national leaders. YF&R members support agriculture and Farm Bureau by serving on special Farm Bureau committees, county Farm Bureau Boards of Directors, and testifying as experts addressing concerns of the farmers and ranchers at public hearings. NC Farm Bureau is proud to have one of the largest and most active YF&R programs in the country.
Background of Excellence in Agriculture Award
The North Carolina Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Excellence in Agriculture Award competition is designed as an opportunity for young farmers to earn recognition while actively contributing and growing their involvement in agriculture and Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau wishes to highlight excellence in the industry. Participants will be judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, involvement in Farm Bureau, and participation in other civic and community organizations. The ideal individual or couple for the Excellence in Agriculture contest is someone who does not derive the majority of their income from production agriculture where they would share in the production risk, but contributes much to the agricultural industry. This can be through working in the agricultural industry in an off-farm job, a job on a farm that is a salary or hourly position with no production risk, or individuals or couples who work and gain the majority of their income from jobs outside of agriculture but farm part-time to supplement income and provide a farming lifestyle for their family. All information provided is handled in strict confidence.
Prizes
First Place
• New Polaris RTV or equivalent UTV
• Expense paid trip for two to compete at the AFBF Convention 2 calendar years after winning at the state level.
2nd and 3rd Place Prizes
$750 Cash & Farm Bureau Branded items