The Illinois Farm Bureau has launched the County Farm Bureau Certified Director Program, aiming to enhance the knowledge and professional skills of county Farm Bureau leaders. Utilizing the American Farm Bureau Federation's Farm Bureau University platform, this online program covers a range of topics, including issue management, advocacy, governance, and organizational history.
Since its introduction in March 2022, the program has seen strong participation, with 589 members enrolled and over 300 county leaders successfully completing their certification. Notably, six county Farm Bureaus have achieved full board certification, highlighting the program's effectiveness.
To address previous challenges, such as time commitments and inconsistent information delivery, the Illinois Farm Bureau transitioned to an online format that allows directors to complete the training at their own pace. Promotion of the program through various channels, including email, postcards, social media, and the organization's newspaper, FarmWeek, has contributed to its success.
The Illinois Farm Bureau provides ongoing support and recognition to program participants. Directors receive reminders and congratulations postcards upon registration and completion, along with a special lapel pin. The organization also offers apparel featuring the County Farm Bureau Certified Director logo.
The program's display at the annual meeting garnered significant attention, and word-of-mouth referrals further boosted participation. Furthermore, testimonials from certified directors showcased the program's value in FarmWeek.
Recognizing its innovation, the County Farm Bureau Certified Director Program earned the prestigious 2023 New Horizon Award from the American Farm Bureau Federation, underscoring its impact on agricultural leadership development. The Illinois Farm Bureau plans to expand the program's reach and incorporate additional topics to better equip board members in the future.
Photo Credit: Illinois Farm Bureau
Categories: Illinois, Business