By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Cherokee County Farm Bureau (CFB) was recognized by Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) for its educational efforts with Farmer Fred.

Farmer Fred is a cardboard cutout, like the popular school project “Flat Stanley.” County board members and young farmers and ranchers post photos and videos of Farmer Fred’s adventures in agriculture on the county’s social media platforms.

For these agricultural education efforts, Cherokee CFB was one of three county Farm Bureaus recognized by TFB during the organization’s 89th annual meeting Dec. 2-4 in Waco. The award, County Activities of Excellence, recognizes unique, volunteer-driven programming by county Farm Bureaus.

It was also one of 24 county Farm Bureaus nationwide to receive a County Activities of Excellence Award from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).

“We saw a need to create a virtual outreach educational program for our community,” Aaron Low, Cherokee CFB president, said. “We created Farmer Fred, who we could use to engage community members of all ages through social media.”

Cherokee CFB board members have participated by creating videos and photos focused on different agricultural topics. The videos and photos are then shared on the county’s Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts.

Cherokee CFB Young Farmer and Rancher Committee members have participated in the project, too. Members took Farmer Fred with them to Amarillo on the Young Famer and Rancher Fall Tour.

“It’s a way we can show what we do as a county Farm Bureau from the board’s perspective, young farmer’s and rancher’s perspective and to engage children and community members,” he said.

Videos posted with Farmer Fred have even been used by teachers in local classrooms. Topics they have covered highlight agriculture in Cherokee County.

“This was a new and unique experience for us, posting these videos about the different aspects in agriculture in Cherokee County. We have been able to share information you wouldn’t usually get unless you were there in person,” Low said.

Cherokee CFB displayed a booth at the TFB 89th Annual Meeting in Waco. The county organization was also recognized on stage and received a $1,250 cash award and a County Activities of Excellence plaque.

Cherokee CFB will also be highlighted during AFBF’s Annual Convention and Trade Show Jan. 6-11 in Puerto Rico.