Michigan Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer awards program is one small way to recognizes our talented young leaders and help them commit to paper their goals for the future, their businesses and their county Farm Bureaus.
Young Farmer members ages 18-35 (and who won’t reach their 36th birthday by Jan. 31, 2027) can apply each year in one of four award categories based on where they’re positioned at their job, farm, or service. Then 16 finalists are acknowledged for their contributions and a winner is distinguished in each category.
Apply online, and learn more about the finalists, winners and prizes.
Applying for a Young Farmer award can be a big step forward on your leadership path and toward accomplishing your goals. Whether it’s taking a business plan to a bank, re-evaluating your profit margins, focusing your community service, or choosing an issue to write policy on, are you ready to take action and be the change?
Applications can be completed online and are due March 11.
Which category suits you best? Read on…
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, vegetables, 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, plants) 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 wage or salary; have implied/written job responsibilities; and whose work is controlled by an employer.
- Example: Farm equipment sales, seed sales and production agriculture enterprise employees, or ag technology jobs.
Excellence in Agriculture
- Highlights: Involvement in agricultural operations, 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.
- Example: 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); $100 in KEY Apparel, $1,000 AgroLiquid gift certificate; and a trip to one of the 2026 AFBF Conferences.
Not a Young Farmer? Send the link to someone you know doing great things and tell them why they should apply.
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