MFBF Member Heather Bonanno-Baker Appointed to National Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee

Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) is pleased to announce that Heather Bonanno-Baker from Methuen has been appointed by American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall to AFBF’s Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) committee. 

“Being appointed to the American Young Farmer & Rancher Committee is something I have been dreaming about for years,” Bonanno-Baker said. “I look forward to working with the other members from across the country and helping shape the way for future generations of young farmers.”

While serving on the committee, Bonanno-Baker will help evaluate and update the YF&R long-term plan, assist with executing YF&R competitive events at the AFBF Annual Convention, provide programming advice for the AFBF YF&R Leadership/FUSION conference, serve on one of four subcommittees, take part in numerous committee meetings, serve as a contact for two to three state YF&R programs and be trained to speak on behalf of AFBF. 

“Heather will be an asset to AFBF while serving on their national YF&R committee,” said MFBF President Warren Shaw. “On a state-level, she has focused on bringing in new, younger members to our committee to help with its succession. She’s also focused on creative ways to engage our current members. Her enthusiasm and positive can-do attitude will be an asset to AFBF.” 

Bonanno-Baker works family’s farm, Pleasant Valley Gardens in Methuen, Massachusetts, alongside her grandfather and mother. The Century Farm raises flowers and vegetables and sells wholesale and retail to consumers. 

She is president of Essex County Farm Bureau; chairs the statewide Young Farmers & Ranchers committee; and serves on the statewide Promotion and Education committee. Bonanno-Baker holds a Bachelor of Science in sustainable food and farming from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

She will be seated in February 2022 and serve a two-year term.

Congratulations, Heather!