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Farm Bureaus Basics

Discovering farm bureaus' programs for education, innovation and young farmers

By Kristina Seleshanko
Farm bureaus are an excellent resource for America's farmers and ranchers, providing a wide variety of programs and networking opportunities. In addition to better-known farm bureau insurance, the American Farm Bureau offers up a smorgasbord of useful programs for both the young and old.

There are three main categories of programs offered by the American Farm Bureau and farm associations around the country. If you are a farmer or rancher--or hope to be--carefully consider the following farm bureaus basics:

1. Educational programs offered by the farmers bureau

2. Youth opportunities provided by farm organizations

3. Idea-swapping possibilities offered by agriculture farm bureaus

 

Explore the educational potential of associations for farmers

One of the most important areas the American Farm Bureau is involved in is education. Their Foundation for Agriculture division sponsors research programs, provides education about farm safety and offers scholarships toward education. Educating for Ag, on the other hand, focuses on learning opportunities for young children.
Try: The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture website offers information about a variety of research projects; click on the links to the left to learn more about scholarships and other educational opportunities, or click the "Order Materials" button at the top left of the page to order educational books and brochures. For educational materials suitable for children, Educating About Ag offers a wide variety of resources.

Look into programs for young farmers offered by organizations for farmers

With an objective for building leadership among people 18 to 35, the American Farm Bureau's Young Farmer and Rancher program focuses on preserving individual freedoms and further developing agriculture. This farmer's association group works hand-in-hand with America's Second Harvest to assist in the feeding of hungry Americans through the "Harvest for All" program.
Try: See the American Farm Bureau's website for more information about the Young Farmer and Rancher program, which includes conferences, networking, competitions and more. To learn more about "Harvest for All," see their page on the American Farm Bureau website.

Participate in idea exchanges through the farmers organization

The Farmer's Idea Exchange (or FIE) is an annual contest designed to encourage innovations in farming, including equipment improvements, new ideas for crops, marketing concepts and much more. Up to 15 ideas are then displayed at the American Farm Bureau's Convention. The County Activities of Excellence (or CAE) recognizes superior county Farm Bureau programs, allowing them to share their successful ideas with the nation.
Try: For information about FIE, see their page on the American Farm Bureau's website. To learn how to enter your county program into County Activities of Excellence, see the CAE's website.

 

  • You needn't own a farm in order to participate in the farm bureau's programs.

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