By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Young farmers, ranchers and agricultural professionals from across Texas will have the opportunity to network and strengthen their voice in shaping the future of Texas agriculture.

Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Spring Conference is designed to equip young leaders and professionals between the ages of 18 and 35 with the tools needed to strengthen their agricultural advocacy efforts and help with farm and ranch decisions.

The event is set for April 17-19 at the TFB Conference and Training Center in Waco.

“Spring Conference is about investing in young farmers, ranchers and agricultural professionals who are passionate about agriculture and committed to its future,” said Ryan Yeatts, YF&R Advisory Committee chair. “Whether they are just getting started or already involved in their operation, attendees will leave with skills and connections they can take back to their farms, ranches and communities.”

TFB also encourages college students to participate and take advantage of the professional development opportunities offered throughout the conference.

Breakout sessions will cover a range of topics, including estate planning, financial management, agricultural policy and a grant writing workshop. Additional sessions will feature barbecue and drone demonstrations, as well as guided tours of local agribusinesses.

“The breakout sessions are designed to meet young farmers and ranchers where they are and address real-world challenges they face,” Yeatts said. “It can be difficult to step away from our farms and ranches and jobs, but the conference is a great way to learn from breakout sessions and hear from keynote speakers.”

The conference will also feature the Collegiate Discussion Meet, which is a roundtable discussion on agricultural topics.

To participate, contestants must be between the ages of 18 and 35, enrolled in an undergraduate degree program and have an interest in agriculture.

“Collegiate Discussion Meet allows students to sharpen their communication skills, apply their knowledge and engage in meaningful dialogue on issues impacting agriculture,” said Roger Hall, TFB YF&R coordinator. “The contest also opens the door to network and connect with folks across the state with common interests.”

The winner will take home a $2,500 cash award and will receive expense-paid trips to the TFB Annual Meeting in December and the American Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet in 2027.

The runner-up will receive a $1,500 cash prize and an expense-paid trip to the TFB Annual Meeting.

The remaining finalists will each receive $750.

Registration for the YF&R Spring Conference and Collegiate Discussion Meet is open through March 22.

Additional registration information, including costs and the signup link, can be found online at texasfarmbureau.org/YFR.