Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee
The Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) committee is made up of Farm Bureau members between the ages of 16-35, who are engaged in agriculture or in the equine industry. This program cultivates Farm Bureau’s next generation through leadership development, advocacy growth, and training and networking opportunities.
This committee provides personal growth to its members by helping them:
- Acquire cutting edge information through participation in educational conferences;
- Build a network with fellow farmers, ranchers, and agricultural enthusiasts;
- Earn recognition for achievements in business and leadership; and
- Continue their professional development.
Competitors
*Please email [email protected] if you are interested in competing in any of these award programs.
American Farm Bureau Federation’s 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.
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.
American Farm Bureau Federation’s Discussion Meet Competition
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.
