The opportunity to evaluate your leadership skills through Young Farmer award applications is just around the corner! Applications in all four categories — Achievement, Employee, Excellence and Leader — are due March 12, so it’s not too late to get started.
Every day, Young Farmers are crafting their own story, and MFB’s Young Farmer awards program is a process that helps you share that story, whether it’s during a loan process, a conversation about a promotion, or a bid for more involvement on your county board. Young Farmer applications are a valuable tool in your leadership toolbox.
The 2024 Young Farmer Leader winner, Sanilac County’s John Bowsky, recently shared his admiration for the program and all the skills and insights he gained from it. Anyone on the fence about applying should consider Bowsky’s testimony about the program’s value and meaning:
“I have a lot of passion for encouraging others to apply. People should know how much the Young Farmer awards helped me refine my professionalism,” he said. “I gained leadership opportunities, speaking abilities, and group-leading skills that I can now take with me wherever I go.
“You don’t know the possibilities and the depths of what you’re capable of until you try!”
Bowsky explained the process helped him achieve more professional leadership. From acing interviews and maximizing the ranking of his application, it pushed him to want to be better.
“Don’t get discouraged during the application process,” he advised. “It’s a working resume. Get started and improve on what best fits you and where you’re comfortable. If you don’t make it at first, don’t take it too hard, just use it to get better.”
There is a place in this program for anyone ready to apply. Leadership isn’t defined just by your successes; it’s also in your ability to keep going when things don’t go your way.
“The entire process of applying and competing gave me a sense of accomplishment about my farm, my leadership skills, and what I can bring to the table. The Young Farmer awards showed me I could accomplish remarkable things, and showcase that for others.”
Bowsky's Farm Bureau involvement started with Young Farmer Discussion Meets before leading to the Young Farmer awards.
“I saw a positive change in my whole county Farm Bureau just from the exposure.”
So: Who’s ready to get started?
Click here for more details on the four categories, and don’t hesitate to contact your MFB Regional Manager for even more information. Again: MFB’s 2025 Young Farmer award applications are due March 12.
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