By Jennifer Dorsett
Field Editor
Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) transitioned the Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) to a virtual format this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The youth development event has been planting the seeds for the next generation of leaders for more than 50 years, growing into a much-anticipated summer conference for incoming high school juniors and seniors.
“It was tough to say we would not be hosting a face-to-face conference this year,” Mia Balko, TFB director of Youth Outreach, said. “But even though we had to make some adjustments, we felt we could still offer a meaningful online experience for all participants that met our goal of creating future agricultural advocates and leaders while connecting youth from across the state.”
The name was changed to Virtual Leadership Conference (VLC) to better reflect this year’s format.
Instead of the traditional weeklong conference at Tarleton State University, students logged on to Google Classroom to complete modules on the free enterprise system, constitutional government and goal-setting activities and leadership skills.
Despite the pandemic and the drastic change in plans, students still enjoyed the experience.
“It’s been a little boring at home since everything I was planning on attending was cancelled this summer,” Rachael Detten, an incoming high school senior at Hereford High School in Deaf Smith County, said. “But VLC was pretty interactive, and it opened my eyes to some different aspects of agriculture that I hadn’t considered before.”
The U.S. Constitution lessons were hosted by Texas Supreme Court Justices Eva Guzman and Brett Busby.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar each recorded a video for the students, explaining what the Constitution means to them.
“Since the conference was held virtually this year, we were able to have these elected officials record sessions for the students,” Balko said.
Another module had a public speaking focus.
“I really liked the public speaking module because that gave me some nice examples for giving speeches in the future, and I think that will be really applicable for my goals,” Detten said. “I enjoyed the TFB history lessons because I didn’t know that much about Farm Bureau. It was kind of eye-opening to see how far back the organization has been working to support farmers and ranchers.”
Detten has a non-traditional agricultural background. Although her family used to farm, her parents both have careers outside of agriculture now.
“Of course, living in a rural community, I’ve been exposed to agriculture all of my life, but I didn’t have that traditional farm upbringing,” she said. “So, any programs like this that help bring me closer to agriculture are great experiences.”
Although the event was online, students still gained valuable skills and education on leadership, government and the free enterprise system.
“Experiences like Rachael’s show that VLC still accomplished what our regular YLC program does—helping kids understand more about what Farm Bureau does and why we exist, and why it’s so vital to keep advocating for agriculture throughout their entire lives,” Balko said. “It was a difficult spring, and we’re still facing a lot of uncertainties, but the future of Texas agriculture is bright.”
More than 450 students registered, and VLC modules were open to students June 1-30. Those who completed modules were eligible for several prizes, including a YETI Rambler and North Face backpack.
Students who participated are eligible to apply for a junior counselor position for YLC in 2021 and also qualify for the Free Enterprise speech contest and other scholarship opportunities.
For more information on youth opportunities, visit texasfarmbureau.org/youth/youth-opportunities.