Young Farmers and Ranchers
Looking for a leadership program after 4-H and FFA? Then the YF&R program is for you! The Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Program is for young women and men between 18 and 35 years of age. It provides opportunities to develop leadership traits, public speaking skills and exposure to current issues in agriculture from state and national leaders. YF&Rs support a strong agriculture by serving on special Farm Bureau committees, county Farm Bureau Boards of Directors, and testifying as experts addressing concerns of the farmers and ranchers at public hearings. If having an impact on the future is of interest to you, Farm Bureau will reserve a special place for you in the YF&R program.
The YF&R Leadership Conference is where young Farm Bureau members meet other YF&Rs from across North Carolina. Future leaders share similar concerns and challenges, as well as a mutual love for agriculture. Getting together with friends for top-notch speakers and info-packed workshops is a tradition. The conference happens every year at absolutely no cost to YF&Rs. It's Farm Bureau's way of saying, "Be a part of something BIG.
Your local county Farm Bureau YF&R committee can inform and inspire citizens from all walks of life. YF&Rs promote a broad understanding of agriculture and Farm Bureau. The opportunities to make a difference within your Farm Bureau are there; the needs are there, it is up to you to get involved! With the YF&R program, a few friends and a little creativity - the sky is the limit!
The Achievement Award Program recognizes outstanding achievement in farming, the local community, and civic organizations. Participants must be actively engaged in farming or ranching with a majority of income coming from production agriculture. Winners of this award receive thousands of dollars in prizes and cash.
The Excellence in Agriculture Award Program is designed for those who may or may not currently own a farming or ranching operation. Participants will be judged on their involvement in agribusiness, leadership roles, civic organizations and Farm Bureau. Winners will receive valuable prizes and cash awards. If farming and ranching is in your blood, this is the award program for you!
The Discussion Meet will enhance speaking and communication skills, while promoting solutions to agricultural issues. Thousands of dollars in prizes and cash awards await the winners, but there are no losers in a discussion meet because everybody learns and becomes a better spokesperson. With others learning from your unique personal perspective, everybody gains when you make the commitment to talk about current agricultural issues. Leaders from across the nation use the Discussion Meet to advance their careers. Participants must be actively involved in production agriculture.
The Collegiate Discussion Meet will enhance speaking and communication skills, while promoting solutions to agricultural issues. Participation in the Collegiate Discussion Meet will also develop leaders for effective problem solving through group discussion. Contestants must be involved in a college of agriculture with at least a minor in agriculture.
Contestants in all awards programs should have a current Farm Bureau membership.