My family and I had the pleasure of attending the New York Young Farmer & Rancher Leadership Conference this past weekend. What a great conference “Laugh, Learn, and Lead” we sure did that. It was nice to met new young farmers and here about there farming operations and what there challenges are. It was also great to catch up with friends we hadn’t seen in years.

One of the speakers was Jolene Brown, a Certified Speaking Professional from West Branch, Iowa: www.JoleneBrown.com. Through humor, hope, and helpful ideas her messages provided us with ideas to put into action and something good to talk about once we returned home to our farming operations. “The Top 10 Stupid Things Families Do to Break up Their Business” What an eye-opening breakout session. We talked about in-laws and out-laws, off-site family and estates, daily communications and important meetings. From conversations to contracts, from assumptions to clarification, and how to save fighting’s on the way to the funeral home. She was sponsored by Farm Family Insurance with a grant from the Farm Credit Northeast Ag Enhancement program.

Another speaker I had the privilege to hear was Farm Bureaus own Matt Scramlin, Director of Leadership Development. “The United Front: Speaking With One Voice” A great choir sings the same song, at the same tempo, in the same key. How about Farm Bureau? Are we speaking the same message with the same voice or is someone off key? Speaking with a unified voice is essential to our progress. This workshop focused on how to be perceived as reasonable as well as knowledgeable, tips for staying on message, and what to do when faced with conflicts in personal interest.

Excellent job New York Young Farmers and Ranchers! I encourage anyone who can to attend the 2009 conference: www.nyfb.org.