By Julie Tomascik
Editor
A statewide Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Conference provided networking and educational opportunities for farmers, ranchers, ag professionals and college students.
Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) hosted the event April 1-3 in College Station.
“This conference was a good networking and learning opportunity,” Travis Wanoreck, TFB’s YF&R Advisory Committee chair, said. “We were able to learn about a variety of topics through our breakout sessions, and we were able to meet with the speakers and others from across the state.”
Breakout sessions covered several topics, including marketing and sponsorships in agriculture, farm safety, using spray drones on farms and ranches, bridging generational gaps and creating valuing in the workplace. Another session also highlighted TFB’s educational outreach efforts to increase agricultural literacy in classrooms and communities.
Wanoreck noted many issues face agriculture. From decreasing availability of land to high costs of production and increased regulations, it’s tough for young farmers to get started in agriculture. But their desire, optimism and willingness to learn helps counter those obstacles.
“The sessions gave us good information to apply to our family farms and businesses and to help college students who will be pursuing careers on and off the farm,” he said.
It was a record attendance for the event.
Nearly 200 young farmers, ranchers, ag professionals and college students between the ages of 18 and 35 were in attendance.
Conference attendees put a pin on a map of Texas to show where they come from.
“We saw many new faces at this year’s conference,” Wanoreck said. “It’s good to see our Young Farmer & Rancher program growing and reaching more college students and young producers. It’s great to get the future of agriculture involved in Texas Farm Bureau.”
The conference also featured the Collegiate Discussion Meet, where Stephanie Bushnell of West Texas A&M University earned the top honor and will advance to represent TFB in the national contest next year.
During the conference, young farmers and ranchers also raised funds to contribute to the TFB West Texas Wildfire Relief Fund, and Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer & Rancher Program also donated $500 to the relief effort.
Upcoming YF&R activities include district events and the Fall Tour, which is scheduled for Sept. 9-11 in Amarillo. Registration and details will be announced later this spring.
For more information on young farmer and rancher activities, visit texasfarmbureau.org/YFR.