By Julie Tomascik
Editor
Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) received the Pinnacle Award, which is the highest honor a state can be awarded for membership and program achievement, from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).
AFBF announced the award during the organization’s virtual convention this week. The award recognizes excellence in implementation of outstanding member programs and membership achievement in 2020. It is the second year in a row for AFBF to award TFB the top honor.
“Despite the challenges we faced last year with the novel coronavirus pandemic, our organization found success. We pursued our mission, and we worked to connect with members and consumers through virtual events,” TFB President Russell Boening said.
Farm Bureaus compete annually for the Pinnacle Award against other state Farm Bureaus of the same-sized membership. Of the five membership categories, Texas is in the group with the largest state memberships in the nation.
To earn this award, TFB first had to receive Awards for Excellence in four program areas: advocacy; engagement and outreach; leadership and business development; and membership value.
“Texas stood out because of our work on education and leadership development, as well as our continued advocacy efforts to represent farmers, ranchers and rural communities in Austin and Washington, D.C.,” Boening said. “Texas Farm Bureau membership provides value and impact, which is why our organization has continued to grow for 20 consecutive years.”
TFB was also recognized with the Apex and Leader Awards.
The Apex Award is given to state Farm Bureaus that have increased total contributions to the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture by 10 percent or more over the previous year. The Leader Award recognizes state Farm Bureaus when each of the board members donates at least $50 to the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.