American Farm Bureau Book of the Year 2024

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture presented its 17th “Book of the Year” award to author Roxanne Troup for “My Grandpa, My Tree, and Me.” The award was presented at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 105th Convention.

“My Grandpa, My Tree, and Me” follows Grandpa as he tenderly cares for each tree in his orchard, including his favorite – a pecan tree, planted for his granddaughter on the day she was born.

Roxanne Troup grew up along the waterways (and soybean fields) of Missouri, where everyone had a pecan tree but few grew pecans commercially. Today, she lives in the mountains of Colorado and writes kid’s books that celebrate wonder and family.

“Thank you so much for recognizing ‘My Grandpa, My Tree and Me,’” Troup said. “As a kid who grew up in the agricultural communities of the heartland, AFBFA’s award is doubly special — it is a validation, not only of my current work, but of my heritage. Thank you. Thank you for helping kids learn more about where our food comes from and the amazing people who work to feed the world.”

The “Book of the Year” award springs from the Foundation’s effort to identify “Accurate Ag Books,” a collection of nearly 500 books for children, teenagers and adults that accurately cover agricultural topics. Book of the Year selections are educational, help to create positive public perceptions about agriculture, inspire readers to learn more and touch their readers’ lives as well as tell the farmer’s story. See the Accurate Ag Books database.

To accompany “My Grandpa, My Tree and Me,” the foundation has created an educator’s guide for the book and an Ag Mag Mini on tree nuts.

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Suggested Tags: