County Farm Bureaus lauded for growth, policy, education

Three county Farm Bureaus received the County Farm Bureau of the Year Award, while one county Farm Bureau and one county Young Farmers & Ranchers committee were honored with the Excellence in Ag Education Award during the 107th California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Anaheim last month.

County of the Year: Santa Cruz

For county Farm Bureaus with up to 300 agricultural members, Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau earned the County of the Year Award for its strong efforts to increase membership. 

The board hosted various programs and initiatives, and developed newsletter content. It partnered with community groups and promoted fundraising and educational events to expand awareness of local agriculture and its mission.

The Farm Bureau implemented a strategic plan to strengthen financial stability by increasing income and reducing expenses. It also hosts annual board retreats, which include new member orientations.

County of the Year: Yuba-Sutter

For county Farm Bureaus with 300 to 700 members, Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau received the County of the Year Award for membership recruitment and for being politically active in its region.

The Farm Bureau successfully met its membership goal of recruiting five new members in April. Board member involvement, targeted membership drives and a structured outreach schedule all contributed to achieving this goal.

The Farm Bureau also maintained an active social media presence on Facebook and Instagram, reaching more than 240,000 total views across both platforms in 2025. It also distributed a weekly e-newsletter to more than 900 recipients with updates on programs, events and policy issues.

County of the Year: Sonoma

For county Farm Bureaus with 701 or more members, Sonoma County Farm Bureau received the County of the Year Award for providing comprehensive education initiatives and events to the public.

The Ag Days event welcomed thousands of kindergarten through sixth-grade students for two days of hands-on agricultural learning at the Sonoma County fairgrounds. Students interacted with local farmers and ranchers, explored exhibits and participated in creative contests.

The Farm Bureau also awarded more than 22,500 to 56 local students pursuing degrees in agriculture-related fields through its affiliate foundation’s scholarship program.

Excellence in Ag Education: Tulare

The California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom presented the Excellence in Ag Education Award to Tulare County Farm Bureau. This award honors one county Farm Bureau for increasing agricultural literacy in its community.

Tulare County invests $100,000 annually in agricultural education programs serving students and adults across the community. Its efforts include long-standing partnerships, STEM teacher workshops and more than $35,000 in scholarships to support future agriculture leaders. 

Excellence in Ag Education: San Joaquin YF&R Committee

The California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom also presented the Excellence in Ag Education Award to the San Joaquin Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. This award honors one YF&R committee for increasing agricultural literacy in its community.

Committee members were recognized for helping thousands of students understand where their food comes from, collectively supporting more than 10,000 third graders with interactive agriculture and nutrition education. They also contributed to initiatives that include an agricultural careers summit, a drive-through fundraiser and an FFA job interview contest.

The committee received $1,000 from the foundation to support its ongoing agricultural education efforts.

The Farm Bureau also serves as a regional hub for “Imagine this...” story judging and supports teachers’ participation in the California Ag in the Classroom Conference.