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 Achievement Award (formerly known as 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 Achievement Award Program is designed to recognize those young farmers and ranchers that have excelled in their farming/ranching operations and honed their leadership abilities to superiority.  To compete, qualifying YF&Rs must submit a completed application no later than April 30, 2011.  The YF&R Achievement Award is presented annually at the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in October.
The contestants will be evaluated on a combination of their farming operation growth and financial progress of operation, FB Leadership, as well as leadership outside of Farm Bureau. More specifically, the judges will be looking for excellence in management, growth and scope of the enterprise and self-initiative that has been displayed throughout the operation. A contestant’s participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations is a definite point getter from the judges.

Winner of the State YF&R Achievement Award receives:
•    A full-sized pickup courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life.
•    An expense-paid trip to the 2012 American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii where they will represent Florida in the national YF&R competition.
Achievement Award Application deadline is SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2011.

YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award

The Florida Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award Program is designed as an opportunity for young farmers and ranchers, while actively contributing and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture, 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).

Winner of the YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award receives:

• $1,200 cash award
• An expense-paid trip to the 2012 American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii where they will represent Florida in the national YF&R competition.

Excellence in Agriculture Award Application deadline is FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2011.

Discussion Meet

The Discussion Meet contest is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. The judges are looking for the contestant that offers constructive criticism, cooperation, and communication while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions.
The State Discussion Meet takes place annually during the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.  This year’s event will be held that The Peabody Orlando on October 7, 2011.

Winner of the State YF&R Discussion Meet receives:
•    $500 cash award
•    An ATV four-wheeler courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life.
•    An expense-paid trip to the 2012 American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Honolulu,

Hawaii where they will represent Florida in the national YF&R competition.
The application deadline for this event is FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2011.

YF&R Discussion Meet Questions
YF&R Discussion Meet Manual