By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Leadership development, industry insights and networking opportunities were the focus for Texas farmers and collegiate leaders attending the 2026 Farm Bureau YF&R Leadership Conference.

Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) was represented by YF&R Advisory Committee member Jessi Schur and Collegiate Farm Bureau members Amanda Hoffmann, Aubrey Schlimgen, Brooklynn Wheelock, Carson Webb, Greta Bergman, Kaitlyn Collins, Lanea Bayless, Montana Goodman, Savannah Sinclair, Savay Sexton, Taylor Hood, Tracer Rice, Wesley Haase and Whitley Anderson.

The conference theme was Rooted in Resilience, and featured keynote speakers included Keni Thomas and Kait Thornton shared personal experiences of overcoming challenges and leading through adversity.

“We heard speakers talking about their struggles in the agricultural industry and working through those struggles,” Montana Goodman, West Texas A&M University Collegiate Farm Bureau president, said. “I think it was great to hear producers’ points of view on how they’ve faced struggles in the agricultural industry.”

The Texas group attended various breakout sessions and workshops to hear from industry leaders on consumer engagement, member engagement and leadership development, innovation and niche marketing and policy and advocacy, among others.

The conference also provided opportunities for young farmers and ranchers to share experiences, connect and learn from each other.

“Networking is crucial and important,” Jessi Shur, who farms in the Panhandle, said. “You never know who you’re going to meet or what knowledge they can share that might benefit you later. That could be career advice or help in a specific area of agriculture.”

To wrap up the four-day conference, attendees selected from tours highlighting Oregon agriculture and local businesses. Stops included Organic Orchards Cider, Husum Falls, TMK Creamery, Bauman’s Farm & Garden, Tillamook Creamery and Creo Chocolates, among other stops.

“This was my first American Farm Bureau conference, and it was a great opportunity to connect with other people from across the nation and learn about agriculture in other states,” Goodman said. “As a Colorado native, it was nice to visit with producers from back home and compare experiences with others from places like Kansas. We’re all facing similar challenges, and there’s value in learning from each other.”

In addition to the conference sessions and tours, Texas participants earned national recognition and competed in collegiate events.

The TFB YF&R Advisory Committee received the Harvest for All Most Innovative Award for its Farmers Feeding Families program.

Aubrey Schlimgen, a Tarleton State University student, advanced to the Sweet 16 round in the national Collegiate Discussion Meet.

For more information on TFB’s YF&R program and opportunities, visit texasfarmbureau.org/YFR.