New York Farm Bureau had much to celebrate as the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention came to a close on Jan. 15 in New Orleans.

The AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee elected New York’s Paul Molesky of Rensselaer County to be its next national YF&R chairman. The national Promotion and Education Committee elected Patti Fisher of St. Lawrence County to be its national chairwoman.

Both Molesky and Fisher will assume their new roles in March.

Farm Bureau was recognized with three AFBF State Awards of Excellence for outstanding programming in advocacy, engagement and membership value.

In addition, New York Farm Bureau won the New Horizon Award for its legal advocacy defending the state’s farmers in a legal challenge to New York state labor law.

The national organization was marking its 100th anniversary during the four-day meeting that brought together around 7,000 members from across the country, including nearly 30 from New York.

NYFB also had success in YF&R competitive events. Nathan and Cristy Williams of Dutch Hill Maple, members of Onondaga County Farm Bureau, were top 10 finalists in the Achievement Award competition. This award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who have excelled in their operations and exhibited superior leadership abilities.

Also, Kristen Brown, YF&R chairwoman from Orange County Farm Bureau, competed in the Discussion Meet. Adam Miner of Jefferson County was the NYFB representative in the Excellence in Agriculture competition.

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