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State Farm Bureaus this year turned in one of the strongest membership performances in the history of the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). Already the nation's largest general farm organization, AFBF's final 2002 membership tally rose to a record 5,306,001 member families, a gain of 205,442 members.

The AFBF record was attained in part with the help of Ohio’s growth to 215,240 members, a new record for the state.

According to AFBF President Bob Stallman, the organization's growth continues to be fueled by the recognition of Farm Bureau's strong record as an advocate for public policy positions developed by its members, and on the strength of many outstanding programs and services designed to boost members' families, their businesses and standards of living.

"Having more than 200,000 new families join Farm Bureau this past year is truly an affirmation of our ongoing effort to represent and serve America's farm and ranch families," Stallman said. "Farm Bureau is about making a difference in peoples' lives, and anyone associated with Farm Bureau should take pride in this obvious sign of approval."

Stallman said this year's membership achievement could be traced to Farm Bureau's overall effectiveness and its commitment to members.

"Families joining Farm Bureau at the grassroots level are the foundation of our national success," Stallman said. "This year's membership gain provides new resources that will help make Farm Bureau even more effective in the national public policy arena. The organization has never been stronger and I am proud to say that Farm Bureau will play a supporting role in the lives of more American families than ever before."

This is the 42nd consecutive year in which Farm Bureau membership has grown nationwide. Tennessee Farm Bureau continued to claim the title of the nation's largest state Farm Bureau, with 555,424 member families. Texas Farm Bureau earned the top slot in regard to largest numeric gain, with 32,035 new member families. Washington State Farm Bureau had the highest percentage membership gain, with 125.3 percent of its 2001 membership total (30,624).