Young Farmer Awards

Michigan Farm Bureau is proud to recognize up-and-coming leaders in the Farm Bureau organization and Michigan's agriculture industry.

Our Young Farmer Award program honors deserving individuals in the following categories and rewards winners with top-notch prizes from generous and loyal program sponsors. In addition, the top four finalists in each category are awarded $400 in cash and MFB apparel.

Unsure of which award category to apply for? Find your fit here.

Young Farmer Achievement

The Young Farmer Achievement Award recognizes successful young farmers who derive a majority of their income from an owned production agriculture enterprise and showcases their achievements in the business of farming (applicants may apply as a couple or an individual).

2024 Winners: Matt and Alisha Gibson

2023 Winners: Mitch and Brandie Kline

2022 Winner: Robyn Fogarasi

The 2023 State Winner received a Kubota tractor, a $1,000 AgroLiquid gift certificate, and an all-expense paid trip to the AFBF Annual Meeting to compete in the national competition.

See the 2024 finalists

Excellence in Agriculture

The Excellence in Agriculture Award is designed to recognize young farmers for their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau (applicants may apply as a couple or an individual).

2024 Winner: Darcy Lipskey

2023 Winners: Chris and Jackie Sanford

2022 Winners: Mark and Jamie Trowbridge

The 2023 State Winner received a three-month lease of a Michigan CAT Skidsteer, a $1,000 AgroLiquid gift certificate, and an all-expense paid trip to the AFBF Annual Meeting to compete in the national competition.

See the 2024 finalists

Young Agriculture Leader

The Young Agriculture Leader Award honors successful young agriculturalists, who earn the majority of their income from a farm operation, for their outstanding leadership in Farm Bureau, farming and throughout the agricultural community.

2024 Winner: John Bowsky

2023 Winner: Elaine Palm

2022 Winner: Sarah Zastrow

The 2023 State Winner received a lease on a New Holland compact tractor or utility vehicle from Burnips Equipment, a $1000 AgroLiquid Certificate, and an all-expense paid trip to the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference.

See the 2024 finalists

Young Agriculture Employee

The Young Agriculture Employee Award recognizes farm employees and ag professionals for their contributions to the success and long-term profitability of their workplace.

Nominees are also judged on their leadership involvement in Farm Bureau, agriculture and the local community.

2024 Winner: Andrew Braun

2023 Winner: Drew Bordner

2022 Winner: Chad Geoit

The 2022 State Winner received $5,000 off the first payment of a lease or installment on a 100-horsepower or larger tractor from GreenMark Equipment, a $1,000 AgroLiquid gift certificate, and an all-expense paid trip to the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference.

See the 2024 finalists

Young Farmer Awards