So Much More Than Insurance

Until I attended the Franklin County Farm Bureau Annual Banquet which was held on November 6th, 7:00 pm at the Robinson Building in Preston, Idaho, I just thought that Farm Bureau was just another insurance company. But I must say that I was enlightened that evening. I am not a member of the Farm Bureau. My daughter and I were invited to attend so that we could be awarded our prize money and a certificate for the “Seasons of Agriculture in Idaho” Photo Contest. This was sponsored by the Women’s Leadership Committee of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation.

Dan Garner, President, welcomed a crowd of almost 200 in attendance. We enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Western Dutch Oven Cooking by Brent Sharp of Cub River. Then there were some awards and recognitions of individuals. It seems that Farm Bureau does more than sell insurance. They sponsor scholarships and have projects to better the community.

Sharon Bergquist honored Brinn Cook their Fanklin County Junior Miss Scholarship winner and the State Jr. Miss First Runner up.

Larin Crossley, a teacher at Preston High School was presented the Friends in Agriculture Service Award by Richard Free, County Vice-President.

Sue Priestley honored Lorraine Povey who was chosen as Franklin County Farm Bureau Woman of the Year 2008-2009 for Franklin County and will now go on to compete in the State competition.

At the Franklin County Fair in August, the Farm Bureau Women sponsored a “Seasons of Agriculture Contest in Franklin County”. For each winner in each age division and the overall Grand Prize winner, cash awards were given. These were not small cash prizes either. The Women’s Leadership Committee of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation in Pocatello, Idaho also sponsored a photo contest for the “Seasons of Agriculture in Idaho”. Grand Prize was $100. First Place in each age division was $50. Money was also awarded for second and third places.

There were four Franklin County residents that were awarded prize money and certificates for the state photo contest. The winners photos will be published in a calendar also. Ann Moedl presented the awards to Connie Adair, First place in the 21 & over, Shera Adair, First and Third place in the 13 to 20, Bailey Ransom, Second in the under 12, and Oakley Ransom, Third in the under 12.

Members were asked to bring a canned food item(s) to help the local food bank. This was just another example of the good that this organization does for the community. I understand that the banquet was a smooth success mostly due to the efforts of Sharon Bergquist, Women’s Chairman, Sue Priestly, member of the County Board of Directors, and Maxine Waddoups, Secretary.

Even though my daughter and I were not members, we felt very welcome and the warmth and friendliness of the Farm Bureau Family was astounding. Thank you for sharing and caring.