Pa., Ohio Farm Bureaus receive national awards for programming

NASHVILLE — The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation received the top honor for a state organization during the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2013 annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn.

OFBF received the Pinnacle Award, which recognizes outstanding accomplishments in programming and membership.

(Scroll down for three photos from the annual meeting.)

Qualifying it for the Pinnacle Award, OFBF also received the President’s Award for superior programming in leadership development, member services and public relations and communications.

Additionally, Ohio won the Award for Excellence in all five programming areas including the President’s Award categories plus education and outreach, and policy development and implementation. Ohio competed against other state Farm Bureaus of similar size in the awards program.

Pa. awards

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau was recognized for its overall achievements in 2012 with five national awards.

PFB received Awards for Excellence in all five program activity areas, including agriculture education and promotion, leadership development, member services, policy implementation and public relations and information.

PFB also received an Apex Award to spotlight its increased total investment to AFBF’s Foundation for Agriculture.

Ohio counties honored

Two Ohio county Farm Bureaus, Hamilton and Wayne, were among the top 25 county programs receiving AFBF’s County Activities of Excellence Award.

Hamilton County was recognized for its program “Making Farm Bureau Relevant to the Equine Community” while Wayne County was honored for its program “Animal Agriculture Educational Kiosks.”

Both Ohio counties exhibited their programs at the AFBF trade show.

Also during the national convention, Ohio’s discussion meet winner, Brad Heimerl of Johnstown, advanced to the Sweet 16 round of the national competition.

Ohio’s Outstanding Young Farmer, Erik Scott of Georgetown, and Excellence in Agriculture winner Greg McGlinch of Versailles, also represented Ohio in the national contests.

From Pennsylvania, Sherisa and Jason Nailor of Cumberland County competed in the Excellence in Agriculture program, Scott Rhoads of Somerset County represented the state in the discussion meet, and Joy Widerman of Adams County competed for the achievement award.

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