The Franklin County Farm Bureau has been awarded a County Activities Of Excellence Award by the American Farm Bureau Federation, one of only 24 counties around the nation to receive the award. It recognizes innovative, results-driven programs developed by county Farm Bureaus that strengthen agriculture and rural communities.
Franklin County Farm Bureau will be recognized for its partnership with the Ottawa Recreation Commission to create the ORC Ag Education Summer Series to connect youth with local farmers and ranchers. They presented 11 education sessions including lessons on animal care, food production, the benefits of bee pollination and a demonstration on floriculture. Plus, the youth went to Franklin County farms and Ag businesses on field trips where students were given opportunities for hands-on learning and engagement.
Program Coordinator, Lisa Rivers, says they wanted to extend the learning beyond the school year and bridge the gap between the students, as young consumers, and our farmers and ranchers who produce the food, fiber and fuel that consumers rely on each and every day. Our local producers are passionate about what they do, the food they produce, and the land they steward. But they don’t always have a platform for sharing their passion and knowledge with others. Congratulations!
