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by Lynn Snyder

Farm Bureau is in the midst of its largest volunteer activity of the year – the membership campaign.

"Last year we had 1,800 volunteers who signed at least one member," said Ohio Farm Bureau Director of Membership Activities Mike Fearon. "The campaign is also the biggest way for us to get new members involved."

Ohio has achieved 34 consecutive years of growth and has 35 years in its sights. "We are a growing organization, which gives us greater strength as our number of members goes higher," Fearon said.

Every county should have completed its campaign Kick-Off by early February, Fearon said, and the goal to reach overall member gain and farmer gain is Feb. 14. This date is called Benchmark and is an important date for counties to win prizes. Individual counties that reach gain by this date receive $100 from Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. Another $100 can be earned for reaching countywide farmer gain. Counties can win up to four Farm Bureau polo shirts – two for reaching county gain and another two for reaching farmer gain. Membership chairmen in those county gain counties win a jacket.

Other volunteer awards:

• Prospect Award – Those who brought a list of at least five prospective new member names to Kick-Off received a Farm Bureau travel mug.

• Ambassador Club Award – Volunteers receive a choice of a knife or a Longaberger Basket for signing 10 new members by April 1.

• Five Member Award – Volunteers can win their way to their respective area recognition dinners by signing at least five members, two of which are new.

• Golden Tractor – An award for a 50 member or 7 percent gain by May 31.

• Silver Plowshare Award – An award for 50 new farmer members or 7 percent of 2001 farmer member total by May 31.

• Super Star Award – A plaque with a gold star for each 100 members gained by May 31.

In addition, if county gain or farmer gain is reached by March 1, the county membership chairman earns a trip to Louisville, Ky. A second seat on the bus can be earned if both are achieved by March 15.

"Ohio has one of the best run membership campaigns in the country, and its because of all the members who believe in Farm Bureau and are willing to visit their friends and neighbors and ask them to join," Fearon said. "Our work in the legislature, the new opportunities with Heartland Agdeavor and our member benefits make Farm Bureau an attractive organization to be a part of."