By Shelby Shank
Field Editor
Over 1,000 farmers, ranchers and college students gathered in Omaha, Neb. to attend the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Young Farmer & Rancher Leadership Conference with the intention to learn, share and grow together to build a stronger Farm Bureau.
Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) was represented at the conference by seven young ranchers and college students.
Among them were Jay Clark, Morgan Hodges, West Texas A&M University students Ryan Heitschmidt and Hayden Holwick, Jenna Milam from Sam Houston State University, Joshua Jones of Texas A&M University and Breanna Beckendorf from Tarleton State University.
West Texas A&M senior, Ryan Heitschmidt, participated in the Collegiate Discussion Meet.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall and Dr. Ricky Rigsby addressed the attendees.
The group also attended breakout sessions to hear from industry leaders on the latest trends in agriculture, a farm bill update, professional development and farm succession planning, among others.
“The conference is a great experience to get together with other farmers and ranchers and know that you’re not doing this alone,” said Jay Clark, TFB Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Advisory Committee chair. “There are people who are having the same challenges as you, whether it’s business or family dynamics, and it’s nice to know that you’re not facing those challenges alone.”
The conference brought young farmers and ranchers from across the nation to connect and learn from each other.
“Whether you’re 18 and a college freshman or 35 and an established farmer, rancher or agricultural professional, there was something for everyone at the leadership conference,” said Morgan Hodges, TFB YF&R Advisory Committee vice chair. “One of the biggest benefits of YF&R is the network you build and the friendships you make along the way. That sets you up on a positive trajectory for making good decisions in your business, career and personal life.”
The conference provided opportunities for college students to work on their resumes, participate in a mock interview, learn about agricultural advocacy and network with other students and agricultural professionals.
“I would encourage other college students to get involved in YF&R because of the many opportunities Farm Bureau provides and the benefits that come from those opportunities,” said Breanna Beckendorf, a senior at Tarleton State University and Tarleton Collegiate Farm Bureau president. “Since joining, I have been able to learn more about the agricultural industry, grow as a leader and network with farmers, ranchers and agricultural professionals.”
To wrap up the four-day conference, attendees could choose different tours highlighting Nebraska, including Menard’s Distribution Center, Bakers Candies, Union Pacific Railroad Company, Joslyn Castle and Nelson Produce Farm, among others.
The Texas young farmers’ and ranchers’ learning doesn’t end with the conference. They are growing leaders in the agriculture industry and paving a way for the next generation.
For more information on TFB’s YF&R program, visit texasfarmbureau.org/YFR.
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