The Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program introduces farmers ages 18-35 to the Farm Bureau organization and provides them with education, leadership development, and fellowship opportunities. Activities specifically planned for young farmers include Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture contests and the annual YF&R Leadership Conference.

YF&R activities provide a platform for younger members to get involved in the entire Farm Bureau organization while getting to know other young farmers from across the state. For more information download the YF&R chair manual or call 651-768-2115 or email at info@fbmn.org.

Check out the American Farm Bureau YF&R Blog! Click Here

For contests and applications, click here.

June 5 YF&R Program Update Webinar

Minnesota Farm Bureau Leadership Conference

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) presents the Leadership Conference (formerly the Promotion & Education Conference and Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference), January 25-27, 2013. This year’s conference is themed “Your Voice. Our Future.” and will be held at the Airport Hilton in Bloomington. The Leadership Conference is a combined conference designed to provide leadership training for all Farm Bureau members. Visit www.fbmn.org for a conference brochure.

Featured Speaker: Matt Lohr
Matt Lohr will open and close the leadership conference. Matt first developed a passion for speaking as a young FFA member and went on to serve as both a state and national FFA officer. After graduating from Virginia Tech in 1995, he started the company New Directions Communications to spread his positive message. To date he has spoken in all 50 states and 8 countries entertaining crowds of all ages.

Matt has also been deeply involved in the Farm Bureau organization, winning the American Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award in 2003. He also served several years as his county Farm Bureau president and chaired both his county Planning Commission and School Board. From 2005 until 2010, Matt represented the 26th House District in the Virginia state legislature before becoming Virginia’s 14th Commissioner of Agriculture.

Matt, along with his two young children, live on a Century Farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Together they stay very busy with sports, 4-H, school events and numerous church activities.

Pre-Conference Tours
This year’s pre-conference tours will depart from the Airport Hilton Hotel at 10:00 a.m. on Friday. Attendees will tour Len Busch Roses, the University of Minnesota Bell Museum, Fulton Brewery, Kowalski’s Market, J.W. Hulme Company and the Wabasha Street Caves. Pre-registration is required.

Conference Sessions
For the leadership conference this year, two different track experiences will be offered. Track 1 is the Capitol Experience, recommended for first time attendees. Participants will be prepped on legislative issues and governmental processes, then travel to the Minnesota Capitol building for a mock legislative session, including committee hearings and actual floor debate.

Track 2 is designed for Consumer Engagement. Sessions include “Are You Smarter than an Activist?” by Betty Wolanyk with Agriculture Literacy Works, “Growing Victory in the Middle East” by Cheryl Wachenheim of North Dakota State University, animal care practices expert panel, “Engaging Consumers in Effective Conversations” from the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance and the ever-popular make-and-take session.

The leadership conference will also be the host for the preliminary rounds of the Young Farmers & Ranchers discussion meet and training for the Achievement Award and Excellence in Agriculture contests.

On Sunday morning, one of the collaborative authors from “Race for Relevance” will address the importance of Farm Bureau being a pertinent relative organization that others seek to join.

Conference Details
When: January 25-27, 2013
Time: Friday, 6 p.m. – Sunday, noon
Where: Airport Hilton Hotel, Bloomington
Who: All Farm Bureau members interested in topics pertaining to leadership development.
Registration: Registration is due December 28 to MFBF, Leadership Conference, P.O. Box 64370, St. Paul, MN 55164. No refunds will be made after December 28.

Costs
Full Conference: $200 per person (based on double occupancy; includes room, training sessions, meals and materials)
Single Room: $330 per person
Conference Only: $130 per person
Pre-Conference Tours: $40 per person (includes lunch)

Look for brochures and conference information at your county Farm Bureau office and on www.fbmn.org. For more information call 651-768-2100 or email info@fbmn.org.

2013 Leadership Conference Brochure and Registration

American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference

The AFBF YF&R Conference will be held February 8-11, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference includes leadership development, ag tours and networking opportunities.

Conference attendees will hear from Commander Michael Abraschoff, Dr. Bernie Erven and Mark Mayfield, as well as motivational speakers, mini-sessions, entertainment, recognition and the Collegiate Discussion Meet competition.

Contact info@fbmn.org if you wish to attend.

Registration Form

To register for conference only and make your own travel arrangements, contact Judy Pilcher at jpilcher@fbmn.org or 651-768-2114.

Young Farmers & Ranchers to Washington, D.C.

Join other Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) as we take our message to federal decision-makers. The YF&R Washington, D.C. Leadership trip offers you the opportunity to have an impact on public policy, represent your fellow farmers on a national level and tour historic Washington, D.C.

Highlights Include:

• American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) key legislative issues briefing
• Visits with Minnesota congressional delegation and government officials
• Enjoy the historic sights of Washington, D.C.

2012 YF&R to Washington, D.C. Flyer

“Building a Winning Team” Marketing Program

This workshop is offered to help meet the challenges you face as young farmers. “Building a Winning Team” will also provide an opportunity for you to network with other young producers in your area. Farm Bureau is committed to supporting the success of young farmers and ranchers through leadership development, education and staff assistance.

The “Building a Winning Team” program will provide an introduction to commodity marketing and marketing planning, understand how to manage cost of production, strengthen communication with family members and improve relationships with agricultural businesses, a vital component of farm business.

Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee

District 1	Keith and Morgan Allen Goodhue County
District II	Kelly and Sarah Schmidt Brown County
District III	Paul and Ruth Lanoue Lyon County
District I	Loren and Hollie Molenaar Kandiyohi County
District V	Paul and Kristy Miron Pine County
District VI	Joel and Maureen Middendorf Wadena County
District VII	Whitney and Rebekka Danielson West Otter Tail County