YFR Reno Break Out Session

Young Farmers & Ranchers

Opportunities and experiences to strengthen leadership

A program for personal growth

The American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers program includes both men and women between the ages of 18-35. The objective of the Young Farmers & Ranchers program is to surface, grow and develop young Farm Bureau members and provide them opportunities and experiences to strengthen their leadership and ensure effective Farm Bureaus.

The program is focused on personal growth in the following areas:

public speaking

issue advocacy

business development

networking

service leadership

media training

telling the story of agriculture

Behind our Young Farmers and Ranchers program stands the unwavering support and generosity of our sponsors, whose commitment fuels our growth, innovation, and agriculture legacy for years to come.

— Kevin Lussier, 2024-25 AFBF YF&R Committee Chair

Learn more about the Young Farmers & Ranchers program

YF&R Connect

On the third Tuesday in July, October, January and April, YF&R CONNECT provides professional development and networking opportunities to members from around the country. This is a casual setting to touch base with other agriculturists while gaining exposure to top-notch presenters and hearing information about hot topics in agriculture, Farm Bureau and learning about resources available.

For more information or to register for these virtual meetings, sign up for the YF&R newsletter. 

Competitive Events

Farm Bureau's strength depends on its members' abilities to analyze agricultural issues and decide on solutions that best meet their needs. Competitive events provide an opportunity to recognize outstanding members.

In 2023, the winner of the Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award and Discussion Meet received $35,000 towards a new Ford truck, courtesy of Ford. The three runners-up received $20,000 towards a new piece of Case IH equipment, courtesy of Case IH. Third place finalists received a Case IH safe, courtesy of Case IH, a $2,500 cash prize, courtesy of American Ag as well as $1,665 of Stanley Black & Decker merchandise, courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker. Fourth place finalists received a Case IH solo stove, courtesy of Case IH.

Achievement Award

The Achievement Award recognizes Young Farmers & Ranchers who have excelled in their farm or ranch and have honed their leadership abilities to superiority. Participants are involved in production agriculture with a majority of their income subject to normal production risks. Judges evaluate competitor's excellence in management, growth and scope of their enterprise and self-initiative that have been displayed throughout the farm or ranch.

Excellence in Agriculture Award

The Excellence in Agriculture Award spotlights young Farm Bureau members who are agricultural enthusiasts but have not earned a majority of their income from an owned production agriculture enterprise in the past three years. Competitors are evaluated on their understanding of agricultural issues, leadership experiences and achievement, and their ability to communicate their agricultural story.

Discussion Meet

The American Farm Bureau Federation Discussion Meet competitive event simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.

Watch the YF&R Discussion Meet Final Four compete during AFBF's 2024 Annual Convention in Salt Lake City, UT.

Download the Discussion Meet manuals

Harvest for All

Farm Bureau’s young farmers and ranchers have worked for over 20 years to help provide food to those in need around our country through the Harvest for All campaign. More than 50 million Americans – that’s 1 in 6 – including nearly 17 million children, are food insecure, meaning they live at risk of hunger.

photo credit: New York Farm Bureau, Used With Permission

In 2023, YF&R programs across the country donated over 31 million pounds of food, spent more than 21,500 hours volunteering, and donated over $425,800 to their local food banks.

The Harvest for All campaign includes activities organized by state and county Farm Bureaus across the country.

Learn more about successful Harvest for All programs.