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Building our Future on the Strengths of our Past. Some of you former Young Farmers and Ranchers program participants may remember a YF&R Leadership Conference with that theme from years ago. What a great theme for a YF&R event, and what a tremendous premise and perspective for our organization to build upon as we consider the value of investing in agriculture’s up-and-coming leaders. Welcoming and engaging young members into Farm Bureau is the way we ensure our vitality and strength for the next 100 years. It’s our commitment to the future of our organization, and it’s our commitment to the future of farming and ranching in California.
Last week I was given the honor of participating in several parts of the California FFA Convention in Ontario. If you’re looking to be energized with a renewed optimism for agriculture, look no further than the California FFA. This organization for middle and high school agriculture students brings together thousands of members to recognize numerous achievements, do business, have a lot of fun, celebrate the retiring State Officer leadership team, and welcome a new one. I served as an industry representative as part of the State Officer selection process and then spent the day judging proficiency award applications. I can tell you firsthand, these kids are impressive. Their achievements, communication skills, poise, knowledge of the issues facing our industry, and all-around passion for agriculture is a force to be reckoned with and something we at Farm Bureau are tremendously proud to support.
Over the past several years we’ve worked with intention to build a partnership and invest in the students of the California FFA. Our Administrator Jim Houston serves on the board for the California FFA Foundation and many of our CAFB staff and leaders participate throughout the year as judges and industry support during contests and events. This year at the CAFB Annual Meeting in December we joined together as an organization and raised almost $30,000 to support California FFA students through a Blue Jacket Bonanza. This program, founded by Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau Executive Director Teri Bontrager invests directly in FFA students by helping them purchase their “official dress” blue jacket. CAFB and Nationwide were proud to partner to purchase blue jackets for each of the incoming Section and Regional officer teams across the state. CA FFA recognized Teri’s passion and contribution and honored her commitment to these students by awarding her an Honorary State Degree during the closing session of the state conference. Building our Future… that’s what Teri and all of you do each day when we invest in these young leaders.
The question is often asked, what do these accomplished high school FFA students do after they graduate? Is there life in agriculture after High School and FFA? The answer, absolutely, is the California Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers program. From Collegiate YF&R chapters to county YF&R committees, this Farm Bureau program for members ages 18-35 provides the next step for young members to engage in professional development opportunities, learn about and participate in advocacy efforts, and make an impact on their communities. YF&R helps grow the individual voices, that become the collective Voice of Agriculture across the nation. I can personally attest to the opportunities afforded by this leadership program. Without my experience as a member of the YF&R state committee and later as State Committee Chair, I can honestly say I would likely not be serving in agriculture leadership today.
YF&R offers a place where college students can invest in leadership and communication training on their college campuses and through the Collegiate Discussion Meet speaking contest. County YF&R members can learn about Farm Bureau, and network with other members in their community through events and activities geared to increase their connections and understanding of the industry and the issues we face. These young members often become active members in the County Farm Bureau serving on boards, committees and speaking on behalf of their peers through advocacy opportunities.
At the state level, YF&R members can compete in the Discussion Meet Contest, serve on the State Committee, attend state and national YF&R leadership events and ultimately receive exposure and training on agriculture issues across the nation. Every year the State Committee is given a challenge to raise $100,000 for Farm Bureau’s political action committee, FarmPAC. Through fundraising efforts that culminated at our recent Annual Meeting, this ambitious group of young leaders raised over $126,000.
Each time I interact with these exceptional young members I’m reminded of the depth and caliber of our Young Farmers and Ranchers and the quality of leaders engaged in this program. Without a doubt, we’re building our future, and we’re doing so on the strengths of a solid foundation and the proud reputation of our 105 year past.
If you would like more information about the YF&R program and upcoming events, click here.
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