The Herd

The Herd is for members ages 18-23 who enjoy social media and want to share their love of agriculture with the world. Members gain valuable skills in agriculture communication by learning from industry professionals and through hands-on experiences. Herd members are selected in the summer and participate in the program for one year.

Interested in participating and sharing your agriculture story? The ideal Herd member:

Is passionate about the future of agriculture
Has experience with social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram
Can express their love for agriculture with photos, videos and creative writing
Enjoys networking, learning and working with like-minded individuals
Wants to explore all aspects of agricultural communications

Apply for The Herd

Looking for more? Here's what to expect if you're selected as a member of the 2025-26 Herd class:

July 1 – Application deadline
July – Herd members selected and notified
August – In-person training event at MFBF Office and MN State Fair
September – Virtual networking call with a social media influencer
October – Virtual networking call with a photography expert
November – Virtual networking call with a Farm Bureau leader
December – In-person training event focused on media training
January – Attend the annual MFBF LEAP Conference in Bemidji
February – Virtual networking call with an advocacy specialist
March – Attend MFBF's Day on the Hill and a virtual networking call with a social media influencer
April – Final in-person event and program wrap-up

Past participants:
Lily Krona, University of Minnesota-Crookston
Mary Lanoue, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Aly Dieball, University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Katelyn Kobbermann, Mitchell Technical College
Kestlyn Willert, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Jacob Runge, Ridgewater College-Willmar
Melissa Hammer, University of Minnesota-Crookston

Past networking call speakers:
Chandler Mulvaney, National Cattleman’s Beef Association
Paige Roberts, Paige Farms
Saydee Longhurst, Cleo’s Cuttings
Annaliese Wegner, Modern-day Farm Chick
Natalie Kovarik, Discover Ag Podcast
Greg Peterson, Machinery Pete
Kennedy Youngren, The Legendairy Dietician