Farm leaders, committees honored for supporting YF&R

Two leaders and four county committees were recognized last month for their dedication to advancing the California Farm Bureau’s mission. The Young Farmers & Ranchers Hometown Hero, Star Member and Committee of the Year awards were presented at the 107th California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Anaheim in conjunction with the California YF&R State Conference.

YF&R Hometown Hero

Steve Murray, a fourth-generation farmer in Bakersfield, received the California Farm Bureau’s Hometown Hero Award in recognition of his support of the YF&R program in his county.

“Steve’s consistent support and genuine belief in the next generation of farmers have made a lasting impact on our program and our members,” Katelyn Filkins of the Kern County YF&R Committee wrote in nominating Murray for the award. “We are honored to recognize him for his leadership, generosity and unwavering dedication to our agricultural community.”

Murray welcomes Kern County YF&R members to his farm every year, providing hands-on agricultural learning opportunities.

He also donates produce to the organization’s annual Charity Farmers Market. His contributions help raise funds for local scholarships and agricultural education programs.

The California YF&R State Committee established the Hometown Hero Award in 2022 in memory of Randy Rocca, a Fresno County farmer who was a longtime YF&R supporter. The award recognizes county Farm Bureau members who have rendered outstanding service to the YF&R program and young Farm Bureau members.

YF&R Star Member

Matthew Vosseler, a hay and grape farmer in Cotati, was awarded California Farm Bureau’s YF&R Star Member Award, which recognized his exceptional dedication to the program.

Vosseler’s professional background is in vineyard mechanics. He has been an active participant on the Sonoma-Marin YF&R Committee since 2017, managing fundraisers, organizing events and holding multiple leadership roles. He also served on the Sonoma County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

Committee of the Year

The Sonoma-Marin YF&R Committee took home the Committee of the Year Award for its engagement in YF&R and its work with the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. Members played a key role in community initiatives, including the NASCAR Farm to Finish Line, which provides an engaging activity in which children can improve their motor skills.

The Central Coast YF&R Committee was honored for Harvest for All projects. Committee members volunteered approximately 700 hours, donated more than $60,000 and gave 172,383 pounds of food to organizations, including the Monterey County Food Bank, FarmLink Project and Brighter Bites.

Meanwhile, the Stanislaus YF&R Committee won the most innovative event prize for its cherry-gleaning event, in which members promote agricultural sustainability and engage with the community.

The Merced YF&R Committee earned the top award for community involvement, highlighting its expanded outreach efforts and organization of community events.

The Sonoma-Marin YF&R Committee received the FarmPAC Award in recognition of its volunteer work, including running a barbecue to support this year’s FarmPAC fundraiser.