Membership FAQ

We're here to help

Check out our frequently asked questions, or contact us at membership@cfbf.com or 916.561.5500.

Who can join Farm Bureau?
  • All Californians can have a seat at the table. We have three membership categories that encompass farmers and ranchers, friends of farmers and ranchers, and future farmers and ranchers.

What are the differences among the three membership classes?
  • Agricultural membership is for persons directly involved in agriculture. Members get all member benefits and receive the weekly Ag Alert ® newspaper.
    • Examples: Farmers, Ranchers, Dairymen, Other Ag Producers and Professionals, Pest Control Advisors
  • Associate membership is for persons who support California farmers and ranchers and enjoy local food, wine, flowers, and fiber. Members receive access to all member benefits and receive California Bountiful ® magazine six times per year.
    • Examples: Consumers, 4-H/FFA parent, Restaurant Owners, Farmers Market Attendees, Ag Educators
  • Collegiate membership is for future agriculturalists ages 16-24. For $25 per year, this entry-level membership gives you online access to Ag Alert newspaper plus networking opportunities for scholarships, internship contacts, and local and state events.
    • Examples: Students pursuing careers in agriculture, former FFA/4-H students, future Ag Educators
What is the difference between American Farm Bureau, California Farm Bureau, and my local Farm Bureau?
  • Your local Farm Bureau is a member of California Farm Bureau, which in turn is a member of American Farm Bureau. This tiered structure lets the Voice of Agriculture ® be amplified at the local, state, and national levels. By joining your county Farm Bureau, you automatically enjoy representation at all three levels.

How do I join?
  • You can join online or mail your application and check to: CAFB, Attn: Financial Services Membership Processing, 2600 River Plaza Drive, Suite #230, Sacramento CA 95833.

How long does my membership last?
  • It is a one-year membership
Will you remind me to renew my membership?
  • To help ensure your member benefits will continue, you will receive renewal notices about 75, 45 and 15 days before your membership expires.

How do I renew?
  • You will receive an invoice in the mail with instructions for renewal. You can also renew online. If you renew online and want your membership to renew automatically each year, you can select the “Auto-Renew Membership” toggle switch before checking out. If you already renewed and want your membership to auto-renew in the future, call the CAFB Financial Services at (916) 561-5647 and they can set you up over the phone. You have 90 days after your expiration date to renew your membership. After that, you will have to join again, and your new membership will start on the day you re-join.

When will I start to receive my member benefits?
  • Your membership benefits will start immediately after you join. If you join online, you can access and print your membership card directly from the membership portal as well as access your membership benefits and member codes If you send your membership application through the mail, CAFB usually processes your membership the same or next day upon receipt. Please remember to allow for normal mail-carrier delivery and shipping lead times. *Note, certain member benefits require you to be a member for 30 days before activating the discount. Ag members will be added to the AgAlert subscribers list the week following their membership being processed.

My dad has a membership; why should I join?
  • A membership can be shared by spouses only. A parent’s membership cannot cover the parent’s child.

Are my dues tax deductible?
  • Dues are not tax deductible as a charitable contribution, but they might be as an ordinary and necessary business expense; please consult your tax adviser for more information.