<b>By JANE HOUIN<br>
Ohio Correspondent</b> </p><p>

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The American Farm Bureau Federation recognized 15 outstanding county chapter efforts and initiatives through it’s County Activities of Excellence program.<br>
Each of those counties had an opportunity to share information on their programs in an exhibit at the AFBF’s 89th annual convention in New Orleans, La. last week.<br>
Among those county activities recognized for education and agriculture promotion was the Red or Green Raffle in Kane County, Ill. A restored antique Farmall tractor and a new John Deere riding mower were displayed at festivals, fairs and parades, and raffle tickets were sold to win them. The drawing for the winner took place on the final day of the Touch A Tractor event.<br>
The equipment appealed to farm, non-farm, rural and suburban audiences. Nearly 2,000 people bought tickets, and the event raised $14,000 for scholarships, a donation to an FFA chapter and the Kane County Farm Bureau Agriculture in the Classroom program.<br>
Also recognized for education and agriculture promotion was the Shia-wassee County, Mich., Ag Adventure. During the Shiawassee County Fair, Ag Adventure is the only exhibit at the fair that allows the public to pet baby animals, watch chicks hatch and learn about livestock, seed germination and Michigan agriculture. Children and adults are encouraged to be hands-on with the animals, plants and product displays.<br>
The Marion County, Ohio Agriculture in Action program was also recognized. This tour educates the non-farming public about agriculture.<br>
The tour included a fertilizer distribution center, a farrow-to-finish swine operation and a large grain farm with the latest technology, equipment and farming practices. Participants had the opportunity to interact with farmers and other representatives of the agriculture industry. <br>
The Douglas County, Ill., Local Government Conference was one of two county programs recognized for leadership development.
The Local Government Conference informs local, state and federal government representatives about issues important to Farm Bureau members.<br>
Networking with guests began with a Farm Bureau-sponsored Luncheon with the Minds, followed by an open public forum, where guests served on a panel and answered questions from attendees.
The goal was to put legislators in front of Farm Bureau members to open lines of communication on key issues.<br>
The other program recognized for leadership development was the Tulare County, Calif., Youth Leadership Program.<br>
Local Ethanol Plant Construction Advocacy from Marshall County, Ind. was among two groups recognized for policy implementation. A group of farmers came together to organize and coordinate with a contractor to build an ethanol plant.<br>
To ensure zoning approval, Marshall County Farm Bureau sent notices of upcoming town meetings to members, asking them to express their support of the plant.<br>
Pro-ethanol yard signs also were made to show support. At two town meetings, more than 80 farmers expressed support of zoning for construction of the plant, which was approved.