Michigan Farm Bureau Announces 2022 Young Farmer Awards Finalists

Every year Michigan’s best young farmers, ages 18-35, face off in categories geared toward measuring their agricultural involvement, leadership and achievements.

Michigan Farm Bureau is honored to recognize the up-and-coming leaders of Michigan agriculture across four Young Farmer award categories. The winners of each award will be announced Friday, April 8.

Agriculture Employee Award

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. The finalists for the award are:

Chelsea Smith, Missaukee County
Chad Geoit, Kalamazoo County
Andrew Heinitz, Van Buren County
Kyle Rasch, Ottawa County

Achievement Award

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 as individuals. The finalists for the award are:

Garrett Bartholomew, Kalamazoo County
Matthew & Alisha Gibson, Kalamazoo County
Robyn Fogarasi, Arenac County
Katelyn Packard, Washtenaw County

Agriculture Leader Award

The Young Farmer 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. The finalists for the award are:

Rita Herford, Huron County
Elaine Palm, Ogemaw County
Sarah Zastrow, Midland County
Emily Boeve, Ottawa County

Excellence in Agriculture Award

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 as individuals.