Honoring programs that develop leaders
The Champion of Excellence — Young Farmer County Program Award recognizes county Farm Bureau Young Farmer (YF) programs that deliver high-quality, impactful experiences for their members. This award highlights counties that are actively developing leaders, building strong local connections, and strengthening Michigan agriculture through intentional, well-rounded programming.
Programs that receive this recognition are those that engage their full YF membership and demonstrate a strong commitment to Farm Bureau’s mission. These counties provide meaningful opportunities for learning, involvement, and leadership development at the local, district, and state levels.
To qualify for a Bronze Level, your county YF program must have a YF chair listed in iMIS, meet at least one of the Membership Campaign YF membership objectives, and complete at least one activity in each of the following areas between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026:
- County FB event volunteering
- County FB event attendance
- County/district YF event attendance
- State YF competitions & awards
- State & national FB event attendance
Every county that meets the minimum quality standards and completes Form I will qualify as a Bronze Level Program.
To qualify for a Silver Level, counties must qualify for the Bronze Level, complete Form II, and meet at least one of the Membership Campaign YF membership objectives.
To qualify for a Gold Level and compete for the top three YF programs, counties must qualify for the Bronze Level, complete Form II and meet both of the Membership Campaign YF membership objectives.
Counties completing Form II will submit their goals, plans of action and results/evaluation on one activity from one of the following areas:
- County FB Event Volunteering
- County FB Event Attendance
- County/District YF Event Attendance
State judges will rank the County YF programs. The state’s top three county programs will be formally recognized on stage at the 2027 Growing Together Conference. In addition, each participating County Farm Bureau will receive a multi-year plaque and yearly plaque inserts.
Prizes and recognition include the following:
- First Place — $1000
- Second Place — $750
- Third Place — $500
All County YF chairs who complete an application will also receive YF chair apparel. Each GOLD County will also be highlighted with a custom display poster showcasing their programming, which will be featured at the 2026 State Annual Meeting and 2027 Growing Together.
Online applications are preferred, but written applications emailed to [email protected] will be accepted. All applications are due by July 1. Winners will be announced August 15.
If you have any questions, please contact your State Young Farmer Committee District representative or Katie Eisenberger, Young Farmer Manager, at [email protected].