One of the most incredible attributes to the "American Farm Bureau Family" is just how far, wide and "deep" our roots spread. As my interest in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Program has grown, I have learned a great deal about the INCREDIBLE PROGRAMS across this great country.

I became actively involved with Farm Bureau through the Young Farmers & Ranchers Program in college at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (www.slofarmbureau.org/Programs/YFR/Young-Farmers-and-Ranchers.htm). Years later, I founded and grew a local county program for the Monterey County Farm Bureau. More than 300 local young professionals in farming and ranching have joined an organization that is nurturing a "bench" of ready and willing leaders for our industry. Check out more about our local activities at www.yfrcc.org - just click on "events."

Today, my pride has grown to a national scale as I discovered websites for both Oklahoma YF&R (www.okfarmbureau.org/programs/youngFarmersAndRanchers.asp) and Virginia YF&R (www.vafb.com/programs/yf/yf_main.asp). If there is anyone out there that thinks there just is not enough opportunity for young professionals in agriculture, I BEG TO DIFFER. I invite you to check out the MANY successful Young Farmer and Ranchers Programs offered by our states and counties! More important, I invite you to GET INVOLVED !!! Our industry needs you!!! YOU'LL HAVE A GREAT TIME IN THE PROCESS, AS WELL.