Nearly 20 Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers attended the American Farm Bureau YF&R Leadership Conference Feb. 25-28 in Louisville, Kentucky.
YF&R members from all 50 states and Puerto Rico gathered to build their leadership skills, connect with like-minded agriculturalists, grow their knowledge of agriculture and learn about the agriculture industry in Kentucky.
Ottawa County Farm Bureau member Alisen Anderson was appointed to serve a two-year term on the AFBF YF&R committee, where she will assist in the coordination of YF&R events, competitive events and the Harvest for All program. She started her two-years of service at the conference.
Members at the conference heard from various keynote speakers, including Dr. Delatorro McNeal, who shared how members can be better leaders in their counties and state organizations; Braxton Nielson, who encouraged attendees by telling his story and how he overcame hardships; and AFBF President Zippy Duvall, who reminded the young producers the impact Farm Bureau has on all levels.
The AFBF Collegiate Farm Bureau Discussion Meet was held during the conference, where Payne County Farm Bureau member Roy Stovall participated in the panel-style discussion exchanging ideas and information on pre-determined topics. Stovall advanced to the Sweet Sixteen round of competition after two preliminary rounds.
Breakout session topics featured economic outlooks, retirement planning, membership engagement, cattle profitability, seed technology, agriculture literacy, and much more. YF&R members toured local farms, ranches and businesses to gain perspective on agriculture in Kentucky.
The 2023 Farm Bureau FUSION Conference will be held March 3-6, 2023, in Jacksonville, Florida, where members of the Promotion & Education, Women’s Leadership and Young Farmers & Ranchers programs will gather.
