The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) honored five individuals for their outstanding leadership and commitment to agriculture during its annual Leadership, Education, Advocacy and Promotion (LEAP) Conference, held January 30-31 at the Sanford Center in Bemidji.

Awards were presented by the Promotion & Education (P&E) Committee and the Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Committee, recognizing Farm Bureau members who are making a meaningful impact through advocacy, education, and service at the local, state, and national levels.

The P&E Committee named Calla Jarvie of Rock County Farm Bureau as its Advocate of the Year. This award recognizes an individual who’s work champions the agriculture profession. Jarvie is committed to promoting the hard work of farmers in her community through outreach and education. She plans several community events each year, including farm days at the library for preschool groups and ag trivia nights at a local brewery. Through this outreach, her impact has strengthened the connections to agriculture for everyone in her county.

The Committee also presented the Golden Apple Award to Katie Lee of East Polk County Farm Bureau for her dedication to agriculture education and going above and beyond in supporting Agriculture in the Classroom initiatives. Lee regularly organizes classroom visits at her children’s schools, using the Minnesota Ag in the Classroom curriculum matrix and Minnesota Farm Bureau resource course boxes. Her hands-on lessons have become a highlight for students, helping them connect directly with a local farmer and the food they eat.

The YF&R Committee recognized two additional leaders for their service to the organization and the next generation.

Matt Johnson of Meeker County Farm Bureau received the Outstanding Friend of Young Farmers & Ranchers Award, which honors individuals who go above the call of duty to assist and support the YF&R program. Johnson is always first to answer the call when the YF&R program needs a volunteer, including serving on many levels as a Discussion Meet judge. He has also strengthened youth programs in his county, establishing an FFA scholarship program and supporting members of the Herd program.

The Golden Pitchfork Award was presented to Jason and Caitlin Keck of Steele County Farm Bureau, recognizing these individuals for their hard work and hands-on involvement. The Kecks have been active in the YF&R program since their college years, serving at the county, state and national levels. Most recently, they completed their term on the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee.

The annual LEAP Conference provides leadership development and advocacy training for MFBF members and is hosted by the P&E and YF&R Committees. Over 300 members attended this year’s conference, taking part in workshops, special sessions, and networking opportunities with fellow agriculturists from across Minnesota.