Madison County Farm Bureau joined farmer members from across the state at New York Farm Bureau’s State Annual Meeting in Albany recently to set the public policy priorities for the coming year. Delegates from the county farm bureau were also recognized for their achievements on behalf of more than 300 farm families they represent.
“It is a truly energizing experience to be in a room with a diverse group of farmers, working together to advance our industry through this unique grassroots process,” said Madison County Farm Bureau President Darrell Griff. “We are coming off a tough year that brought many changes to the way we do business and we addressed our concerns by putting together a policy agenda that will go a long way in keeping our farms innovative and viable.”
Madison County Farm Bureau received eight Silver Key Awards for excellence in programming relating to effectiveness in policy implementation, promoting agriculture among the public and in classrooms, leadership development and membership building.
In addition, the county farm bureau was recognized for their membership efforts during 2016. They also finished as a runner up in the Promotion and Education Award for their successful Celebrity Bartender Night that benefits the Food Bank of Central New York. Madison County received over $1,000 in monetary awards from farm bureau during the state annual meeting.
County Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Chair Johanna Bossard and her husband Bret took home the Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award. The award highlights their efforts in production agriculture and leadership achievements. They were judged on their farm operation and growth, the financial progress of their operation and their farm bureau and community leadership. The Bossards will travel to Phoenix, Ariz., in January to compete at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention.
