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Young Farmers & Ranchers

NC Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Program is designed for young adults (18-35) that are interested or involved in agriculture.

YF&R provides opportunities to develop leadership growth, public speaking skills, advocacy strategies, and exposure to current issues in agriculture from state and national leaders. YF&R members support agriculture and Farm Bureau 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. NC Farm Bureau is proud to have one of the largest and most active YF&R programs in the country.

If having an impact on the future is of interest to you, NC Farm Bureau will reserve a special place for you in the YF&R program!

Contacts

Tadashi Totten (Team Leader)

Callie Carson

Ashley Wollett

Jimmy Cowan

Send a Message

More Info

YF&R Brochure
2024 State YF&R Committee Directory

Why Join?

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

  • Receive valuable leadership training at state and national conferences
  • Enhance your public speaking skills and learn to hone your message delivery
  • Help shape policy positions by representing your county at the NC Farm Bureau Annual Convention
  • Serve a term on the State YF&R Committee (Depending upon eligibility)

GREAT TRANSITION FOR FFA AND 4H MEMBERS

  • Build upon your existing relationships and knowledge of agriculture
  • Join YF&R Chapters at NC State University and University of Mount Olive
  • Join or kickoff a county Farm Bureau YF&R committee CHANCES TO WIN GREAT PRIZES
  • Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement in farming, the local community, and civic organizations
  • Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes individuals who are not majority owners of a farm but demonstrate leadership ability through Farm Bureau and other civic organizations
  • The Discussion Meet and Collegiate Discussion Meet competitions enhance speaking and communication skills, while promoting solutions to agricultural issues

STATE, NATIONAL, AND GLOBAL AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

  • Participate in Agriculture Educational Tours designed to offer a broader perspective of agriculture within our state and nation
  • Participate in legislative activities, like the State YF&R Committee’s trip to Washington, DC to meet with elected officials
  • Learn from peers in different agriculture industries

ATTEND NATIONAL CONFERENCES FOCUSING ON LEADERSHIP TRAINING

  • Engage in balanced community conversations with peers from different states and segments of agriculture at the annual American Farm Bureau YF&R Leadership Conference
  • Meet like-minded individuals that are passionate about agriculture
  • Develop a better understanding of the complexities and the challenges of agriculture at the annual American Farm Bureau Convention

LEARN ABOUT AGRICULTURE ISSUES AND HOW TO RESOLVE THEM

  • Discuss existing and emerging issues facing agriculture at conferences and on educational tours
  • Broaden your understanding of factors that affect agriculture locally and globally
  • Develop skills and knowledge to become an effective communicator and problem-solver
  • Gain experience collaborating with peers to find solutions to complex problems

MAKE VALUABLE PROFESSIONAL CONTACTS

  • Meet your local, state and federal elected officials and their staffs
  • Build a network of friends, professionals, and industry leaders
  • Make a difference in the lives of others by telling your agriculture story

Award Programs

Achievement

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 most of their income coming from production agriculture.

Prizes

First Place:

  • Trip to AFBF Convention for winner and spouse
  • RTV
  • Plaque

Runners up:

  • $500 from NCFB

AFBF Achievement Award Overview (Zoom Recording)

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Excellence

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.

Prizes

First Place:

  • Trip to AFBF Convention for winner and spouse
  • RTV
  • Plaque

Runners up:

  • $500 from NCFB

AFBF Excellence in Ag Award Overview (Zoom Recording)

APPLY NOW

Discussion

The Discussion Meet will enhance speaking and communication skills, while promoting solutions to agricultural issues. With others learning from your unique personal perspective, everybody gains when you make the commitment to talk about current agricultural issues. Participants must be actively involved in production agriculture.

Prizes

First Place:

  • Trip to AFBF Convention for winner and spouse
  • RTV
  • Plaque

Runners up:

  • $500 from NCFB

Participant Resources

APPLY NOW

Collegiate Discussion

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.

Prizes

First Place:

  • Trip to AFBF YF&R Leadership OR FUSION Conference
  • $1,000 from NCFB
  • Plaque

Runners up:

  • $250 from NCFB

Participant Resources

APPLY NOW

MEET YOUNG FARMERS JUST LIKE YOU

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