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2024 Young Farmer Awards: Find your fit and apply by March 6

Jackson County’s Chris and Jackie Sanford won MFB’s 2023 Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award.
Date Posted: January 11, 2024

Young Farmer awards recognize up-and-coming Farm Bureau leaders and across Michigan agriculture. Each year 16 finalists are recognized for their contributions and achievements, and a winner is distinguished in each of the four categories.

Applications for the 2024 awards are due March 6; forms are available online.

Young Farmer Award applications are a great way to build your leadership resume and compile your accomplishments in a visual way that acknowledges the great things you’re doing on your farm, in your community and with your county Farm Bureau. 

Bonus: Completing the application forces you to write down your goals, which research shows increases your likelihood of accomplishing them!

Not sure which award applies to you?

Young Agriculture Leader

Highlights: Participation in the agricultural community and leadership experiences with Farm Bureau and on the farm.

Who can apply: Young Farmers who earn a majority of their income from a farm operation.

Examples: Farmers who own fruit, vegetable, row crop, livestock, greenhouse, mushroom, custom-harvest, or hay operations.

Young Farmer Achievement

Highlights: The growth and success of the farming operation. Secondarily, community and Farm Bureau involvement.

Who can apply: Young Farmers who earn a majority of their income from a production agriculture enterprise (e.g. crop, livestock, plant) where they have ownership.

Examples: Farmers who own fruit, vegetable, row crop, livestock, greenhouse, mushroom, custom-harvest, or hay operations.

Young Agriculture Employee

Highlights: Contributions made to the long-term profitability and success of the farm or agribusiness where employed. Secondarily, community and Farm Bureau involvement.

Who can apply: Young Farmers who have no ownership stake, but receive a specific wage/salary; have implied/written job responsibilities; and whose work is controlled by an employer.

Examples: Farm equipment sales, seed sales, production agriculture enterprise employees, or ag technology jobs.

Excellence in Agriculture

Highlights: Involvement in agricultural organizations, leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau.

Who can apply: Young Farmers who do not earn a majority of their income from an owned production agriculture enterprise (e.g. crop, livestock, plant) in any of the past three years.

Examples: Agriscience educators, insurance industry, commodity groups, food systems, natural resources, or government jobs.


All 16 finalists receive $400 and MFB apparel. Winners receive an equipment lease ($5,000-$10,000 value); $1,000 AgroLiquid gift certificate; and a trip to one of the 2025 AFBF Conferences.

Not a Young Farmer, but know great one? Encourage Young Farmer leaders in your county to apply and make sure to tell them why you think they’re deserving!

Applications are open now on Michigan Farm Bureau’s website and due March 6, 2024.

Megan Sprague headshot

Megan Sprague

Young Farmer Programs Specialist
517-679-5658 [email protected]