More than 400 KFB members, including 26 voting delegates, participated in last month’s AFBF annual meeting In addition to helping establish 2012’s national priority issues, the KFB members were also able to take in a variety of industry-based seminars and support the state’s representatives competing for national recognition in a variety of contests. Approximately 7,000 members from across the country attended.

Kentucky highlights included: • KFB was honored with five Awards of Excellence for demonstrating outstanding achievements in meeting its members’ needs in the categories of: Agriculture Education and Promotion, Leadership Development, Member Services, Policy Implementation and Public Relations and Information.

• KFB was specially recognized for accomplishing 50 consecutive years of membership growth, becoming only the second state Farm Bureau in the country to reach that milestone.

• Michael and Nora McCain of Washington County represented Kentucky in the Young Farmer & Rancher Achievement Award competition, finishing in the top ten. This award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who have excelled in their farming or ranching operations and exhibited superior leadership abilities. Participants are evaluated on a combination of their agricultural operation’s growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership and leadership outside of Farm Bureau. • Adam Hinton of Fleming County was Kentucky’s representative in the Young Farmer & Rancher Excellence in Agriculture competition, also finishing in the top ten. This award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation, but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations. • Sierra Enlow of LaRue County was Kentucky’s representative in the Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet. This competition simulates a committee meeting in which active discussion and participation are expected. Participants are evaluated on their ability to exchange ideas and information on the topic: “How do we capitalize on the growing demand for agricultural products?” • Greenup and Taylor County Farm Bureaus were among the 25 counties invited to share their creative programs as part of AFBF’s County Activities of Excellence. The displays spotlight innovative programs by county Farm Bureaus in five categories: Education & Agriculture Promotion; Leadership Development; Member Services; Policy Implementation; and Public Relations & Information. • KFB was also awarded the AFBF Foundation for Agriculture’s Apex Award, given to states who donated 10 percent more to the Foundation than the previous year. Donations to the AFBF Foundation for Agriculture are used to further the organization’s mission to build awareness, understanding and a positive public perception of agriculture through education.