COLUMBUS, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Nine Ohio counties have been named winners of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) County Activities of Excellence (CAE) awards, a national honor celebrating volunteer-driven innovation in local communities.

The winning programs, representing nearly 40% of the 24 total winners nationwide, will receive grants to showcase their work at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention & Trade Show, held Jan. 9-14 in Anaheim, California.

The CAE awards recognize programs that serve as models for local development in categories including education, member services, public relations, leadership, and safety.

“The spirit of community and innovation helps drive our organization at the local level,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Our grassroots leaders are constantly raising the bar and finding new ways to show up and support their communities.”

The 2026 Ohio winners include:

  • Ashtabula County: “Feed a Farmer – Harvest of Hope” provided snack bags and mental health resources to farmers in the field.
  • Auglaize County: “Mission – Discovery” offered students hands-on demonstrations of in-demand agricultural careers.
  • Columbiana County: “Show and Tell at the Fair” bridged the gap between school educators and students’ 4-H/FFA commitments.
  • Hancock County: “Meals for Mom” celebrated women in agriculture with complimentary Mother’s Day field meals.
  • Marion and Morrow Counties: A joint “Ag Tire Recycling Day” provided a cost-effective solution for rural tire disposal.
  • Mercer County: “Northwest Ohio Ag in the Classroom” equipped K-4 teachers with curriculum tools and field trip resources.
  • Richland County: “Cultivating Minds” distributed ag-literacy kits to every elementary school and public library in the county.
  • Seneca County: “Reindeer Farm Christmas Experience” combined holiday traditions with dairy industry education.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. More information can be found at ohiofarmbureau.org.