By Julie Tomascik
Publications Editor

Young farmers and ranchers will inherit a bright future and a strong legacy. And leave their mark on Texas agriculture. But along the way, they’ll face tough decisions, high risks and market uncertainty. Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Leadership Conference can help, offering insights and opportunities.

The event, set for Jan. 29-30 at the YO Resort and Conference Center in Kerrville, will feature a variety of speakers to address current issues affecting the next generation of Texas farm and ranch families.

“They will gain valuable skills that they can put to use on their own farms and ranches,” said Coleburn Davis, TFB director of Organization Programs. “They’ll also build relationships and expand their network with other young farmers and ranchers from across the state.”
Transparency and communication will remain an integral part of agriculture in Texas and across the nation.

And Greg Peterson of the Peterson Farm Brothers will talk more about agricultural advocacy—telling the stories of agriculture and communicating with the public through social media and other channels. As the keynote speaker, he’ll share more about his family’s rise to fame through their parody videos.

Saturday’s events will also include a market update with Dr. Mark Welch, a grain marketing economist with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

A strong web presence, in addition to social media, is a growing part of agricultural businesses. Ashley Grant with Ranch House Designs—a full service marketing and communications brand agency—will cover successful web designs for farms and ranches.

Molly Baize, an estate planning specialist, will discuss farm family financial planning and management.

“Succession planning is important, because these young farmers and ranchers are making decisions that will affect their farms and their families for many years to come,” Davis said.

TFB President Russell Boening will join the group for lunch to cover issues important to Texas agriculture and Texas Farm Bureau.
The conference will conclude with a tour of the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park—the ranch and home of the 36th president of the United States.

“The Leadership Conference, along with the Fall Tour, offers a glimpse of what Texas Farm Bureau can, and does, do for rural Texas and farmers and ranchers,” Davis said.

The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 8.