By Julie Tomascik
Editor
The future of Texas agriculture starts with the next generation, and a statewide conference will provide opportunities for networking and education for farmers and ranchers between the ages of 18 and 35.
Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Conference is designed to equip young leaders and professionals in agriculture with the tools needed to increase their agricultural advocacy efforts and help with farm and ranch decisions.
The event is set for April 1-3 at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center in College Station.
“This conference is for any young farmer, rancher or ag professional across the state,” Travis Wanoreck, TFB’s YF&R Advisory Committee chair, said. “We will hear from speakers, have time for networking and take home some ideas and tips that apply to farms, ranches and other small businesses.”
Conference attendees will also participate in several breakout sessions.
“This event is a great networking opportunity for young ag professionals,” Wanoreck said. “I know it can be difficult to take time away from our farms, ranches and other businesses, but this annual conference is a great way to learn more and establish new relationships. We want everyone who attends to have fun, learn and, hopefully, be inspired to continue to advocate for agriculture.”
The conference will also feature the Collegiate Discussion Meet, which is a roundtable discussion of agricultural topics.
To participate, contestants must be between the ages of 18 and 35, enrolled in an undergraduate degree program and must have an interest in agriculture.
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 February 2023.
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 Young Farmer & Rancher Conference and the Collegiate Discussion Meet closes March 4.
Additional registration information, including costs and the sign up link, can be found online at texasfarmbureau.org/YFR.