Farm Bureaus in the counties of Bedford, Craig, King William and Patrick were recognized Nov. 29 by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation for their work in educating the public and promoting agriculture and Farm Bureau.
 
As a result of their cultivation and retention of members and their promotional and community activities, the five organizations received Best in State and New Horizon awards at the 2017 VFBF Annual Convention in Williamsburg.
 
Craig County Farm Bureau, led by President Mary Hunter, won a Best in State Award in the category for agriculture promotion or education aimed at the general public. County Farm Bureau volunteers took on a school garden project.
 
King William County Farm Bureau, led by President Charles Piersa, won a Best in State Award in the Virginia Farm Bureau policy promotion or local issue involvement category for the organization’s work in improving the county’s land use taxation ordinance.
 
King William also won a Best in State Award in the membership marketing, acquisition or retention category for holding an Agriculture Appreciation Day that led to the signing up of new members.
 
VFBF presented two New Horizon Awards in recognition of new and innovative county Farm Bureau programs.
 
Bedford County Farm Bureau, led by President W.P. Johnson Jr., received a New Horizon Award for its Legislative Farm Tour.
 
Patrick County Farm Bureau, led by President Teresa Roberson, received a New Horizon Award for its work on the Patrick County Farm Bureau Ag Expo, held earlier this year.
 
 
With 127,000 members in 88 county Farm Bureaus, VFBF is Virginia’s largest farmers’ advocacy group. Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, nonpartisan, voluntary organization committed to supporting Virginia’s agriculture industry and preserving the Virginia way of life. View more convention news as it becomes available at vafb.com/convention.
 
Contact Greg Hicks, VFBF vice president of communications, at 804-290-1139.