Young Farmers & Ranchers

Who are Young Farmers & Ranchers

Excellence in Agriculture award

Who are Young Farmers & Ranchers?

Young Farmers & Ranchers ("YF&R") are active agriculturalists like you--between the ages of 18 and 35 and involved in production, banking, business and many other areas of the industry. Young Farmers and Ranchers develop leadership skills while volunteering time as active, vital members of county Farm Bureaus.

As a member of YF&R, your voice will join those of your peers to speak out for agriculture. As you develop your skills and knowledge, your efforts will help your local Farm Bureau to effectively represent all farmers and ranchers.

Mutual benefits

There are many returns for your time and effort as a Young Farmers and Ranchers member. You will have the opportunity to attend seminars focusing on leadership training, and you will gain valuable insights into all aspects of agriculture. You will learn how to promote your commodity as well as your industry. You will learn about issues and how to resolve them.

You will also make valuable professional contacts. You will meet and work with your elected officials. You will make friends for life with other young people in agriculture who share the same interests and challenges that you face daily.

Achievement Award

The Outstanding Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award competition is based on the operating efficiency of each farmer and rancher applicant. The winner is chosen based upon effectiveness and creativity in his/her operation and leadership skills exhibited in both the community and Farm Bureau. Cash awards are given to the top three finalists. The state winner receives use of any size Kubota tractor for one year and an all-expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation convention to compete for national recognition and awards, including the opportunity to win a new Dodge Ram pickup truck.

Excellence in Agriculture Award

The Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award Program is designed as an opportunity for young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an owned agriculture operation—while actively contributing and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture—to earn recognition. Participants will be judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations (ie: civic, service, and community).

Legislative awareness

California agriculture is the most diverse in the world. As a result, public policy issues affecting our agriculture can be very complex. Farm Bureau needs yourng leaders like you to be involved in the legislative process. Young Farmers and Ranchers offers programs that give you that opportunity.

The legislative conference provides a one-day training at the State Capitol building and the opportunity to speak with legislators.

FFA DIscussion Meet

The Young Farmers and Ranchers State Committee sponsors an FFA Discussion Meet in conjunction with the State FFA Leadership Conference. This contest is similar to the YF&R Discussion Meet, with the contestants being members of FFA.

Discussion Meet

The Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet is a panel-style discussion in which young farmers and ranchers are judged on their ability to express ideas and cooperate with others while discussing some of the hottest issues in agriculture.

The ultimate goal is to reach a solution to a stated problem facing agriculture. Cash awards are presented to the four state finalists. The state winner competes in the national competition at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention and has the opportunity to win a new Dodge pickup truck.

Leadership Conference

YF&R's most popular event of the year, the Leadership Conference, combines a weekend of learning with fun and excitement. Professional presenters teach the latest techniques in management and personal development. Specialists on issues concerning agriculture share information about the challenges and successes of the industry.

For more information about YF&R go to www.cfbf.com/programs/yfr/

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