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Young farmers and ag professionals honored at 2023 conference
The annual Indiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ag Professionals Conference took place Jan. 27 and 28 in Noblesville, Indiana. Alongside keynote and breakout sessions, several INFB members and county YF&AP programs were honored for their accomplishments in 2022.
The conference provides an opportunity for education and networking for INFB members under the age of 40.
Spencer County Farm Bureau’s YF&AP program was recognized with the Outstanding County Young Farmers & Ag Professionals Award given to the top program in the state. Spencer County Farm Bureau will receive $1,000 to create a new YF&AP program/event or improve an existing program.
Many of Spencer County’s YF&AP programs for 2022 focused on philanthropy and educating youth about agriculture. Its YF&AP committee coordinated a food donation to a local food pantry to reduce hunger and benefit the community. The committee also organized a “Springtime on the Farm” event around Ag Day where local elementary schools had the opportunity to learn about a variety of ag topics, including how corn and soybeans are grown, animal education, farm safety and conservation.
“The Spencer County YF&AP program is honored to win this award,” said Chelsea O’Brien, Spencer County YF&AP chair. “We look forward to putting the funds toward this year’s ‘Springtime on the Farm’ event and reinvesting back into our YF&AP program so we can increase involvement and bring more young farmers and ag professionals on board.”
Decatur County and Henry County Farm Bureaus were runners-up for the award and will receive $500 each.
Henry County Farm Bureau was recognized as the Most Improved Young Farmers & Ag Professionals Program this year. This is based on a comparison of activities over the past two years and how the activities and programs of that county’s YF&AP program have improved.
County YF&AP programs also were recognized for their contributions to Feeding America, a nationwide nonprofit network of more than 200 food banks that feed more than 40 million people. Spencer County Farm Bureau donated the most non-perishable food items, with a total of 54 pounds of food. Decatur County Farm Bureau donated the most money and time to Feeding America, with over $4,900 and more than 100 hours donated.
