Contests, Awards & Recognition

Contests, Awards & Recognition

Each year, active members in YF&R have the opportunity to compete in several programs that recognize their accomplishments and test their skills. There are three competitions: the Outstanding Young Farmer and Rancher, the Discussion Meet and the Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award Program. Applications for these programs are available following the award program descriptions below.

YF&R Achievement Award

The Florida Farm Bureau Federation annually conducts a Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award competitive event (previously referred to as the "Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher Contest"). To compete, qualifying YF&Rs must submit an application by May 16. The judges visit the operations of the top three finalists. The YF&R Achievement Award is announced at the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.

Winner of the YF&R Achievement Award receives:

• A Dodge Ram Quad Cab pickup!
• The outstanding YF&R and spouse receive an expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau annual meeting, where they represent Florida in the national YF&R competition.

The contestant who earns the privilege of being named the National Achievement Award winner receives:

• A new Dodge Ram 3500 SLT Quad Cab 4x4 pickup truck with a 5.9L Cummins HO Turbo Diesel engine.
• Paid registration to the YF&R Leadership Conference.
• A $2,500 product voucher from Syngenta Crop Protection.

The National Runners-up receive:

• The top four runners-up will receive a Case IH DX compact tractor.
• The top ten National Runners-up (9 contestants) each receive a $1,500 voucher from Syngenta Crop Protection.

Achievement Award Applications are due in the state office on May 16th (due in the office, not postmarked date).

Discussion Meet

The State Discussion Meet takes place at the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in October. Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers demonstrate their ability to express ideas and opinions on major agricultural issues. The winner receives:

• $500 cash courtesy of Dodge
• An ATV four-wheeler courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life.
• Florida Farm Bureau will pay expenses as our winner competes in the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion at the national convention.

The winner of the National Discussion Meet contest receives:

• A new Dodge Ram 2500 SLT Quad Cab 4x4 pickup with a 5.7L HEMI Magnum engine courtesy of Dodge.
• Paid registration to the 2009 National YF&R Leadership Conference.

The three runners-up in the Discussion Meet competition will each receive:

• A $6,000 Savings Bond courtesy of Cummins Engine Company

To participate in the Florida Farm Bureau Federation YF&R Discussion Meet, obtain a registration and information sheet from your county Farm Bureau or assistant director of Field Services ("field man"), or click here to download a html form or click here to download a Word form. Registration sheets must be signed by the president of the county Farm Bureau certifying that you are an active member in good standing. Return the registration to Florida Farm Bureau Federation, YF&R Leadership Program, PO Box 147030, Gainesville, FL 32614-7030.

The application deadline for this event is August 29, 2008.

Click here to download the YF&R Discussion Meet Manual

Excellence in Ag

The Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award Program is designed as an opportunity for Young Farmers & Ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an owned agricultural operation to earn recognition. Participants will be judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations (i.e., civic, service and community).

Winners of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation Excellence in Agriculture award will receive a $1,200 cash award, including $500 courtesy of Dodge.

The contestant who earns the privilege of being named the National Excellence in Agriculture winner receives:

• A new Dodge Quad Cab 4x4 1500 pickup with SLT trim and a 4.7L Magnum V8 engine.
• Paid registration to the 2009 YF&R Leadership Conference.
• The three National Runners-up each receive a $2,000 U.S. Savings Bond and Farm Boss Chain saw, courtesy of Stihl Outdoor Power Equipment.

Excellence in Agriculture Applications are due in the state office on August 29th (due in the office, not postmarked date).